Anyway, I see that Reuseit has two of their Blue Q bags on sale for 50% off which makes them an amazing deal at $5.98. 95% post-consumer recycled content yo! I love the India one. How about you?

One of the things I miss about living in the Southwest is the fact that we never, ever had to deal with things like mildew and stinky towels. As a child, bathing suits and towels could be tossed on the carpet all willy nilly and only an hour or two later they would be crunchy and bone dry. Mildew didn’t stand a chance. Later when I was cloth diapering my babes I had the luxury of being able to let the diapers sit in the diaper pail for a week or longer with no smell and no mildew. The first time I tried that after moving to Ohio…well let’s just say it didn’t end well. There was a noxious smell, there was mildew, and there were bugs. Argh!

We also learned that you don’t leave wet bathing suits and towels lay around and every so often your towels start to smell mildewy no matter if you wash and dry them on hot repeatedly. The first time this happened we ended up throwing them out because I thought it was hopeless without the use of something harsh like bleach. Well, we started to notice the same issue with our towels recently and since so many are organic and/or a super luxurious bamboo I did not want to throw them out. Didn’t want to bleach them either. Time to get creative!

With some tips from my Natural Living Facebook community I had a game plan, and it worked! Yay for clean smelling towels!! But why in the heck do they get stinky in the first place?? We do let our towels sit wet in the bathroom between showers/baths so that doesn’t help, even though they are on a hanging rack. I also think that they have a tendency to get stinky for the same reason cloth diapers do…a detergent buildup. Cloth diapers need to be “stripped” every so often to get rid of detergent scum/buildup and so do towels.

How to Get Rid of the Mildew Smell in Bath Towels

• Wash with hot water, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 10 drops tea tree oil
• Rinse with 1 cup vinegar
• Repeat wash/rinse (tea tree oil optional for the 2nd go round)
• Dry on hottest setting or dry outside in direct sunlight

This method worked wonders for me! Even after using the same towel over several days, no mildew smell. Now I just need to use this method every time I wash towels over the next 1-2 weeks to make sure I got them all.

Do you ever have this issue? How do you handle it?

Loving my shopping cart baskets from Reuseit.

Relying on reusable bags can be hit or miss because you may not remember to take them. If you keep them in your car that can be messy if you need a lot (like we do). These baskets, however, are easy to use at the store and don’t take up much room in the car. We just fit them inside the shopping cart and fill the cart up as we usually would. Then you, or the person bagging the groceries, just skips the whole bagging part and puts them back in the baskets after ringing them up. The full baskets sit nicely in the trunk or car seat and can be carried inside using the carrying handles. Empty them and return them to the car for next time. You can also store reusable produce bags in them so that you can bag your loose apples and lettuce and keep them separate. The baskets also have built in pockets for your shopping list, coupons, rewards cards, etc. They get an A++ from me.

I have been a LunchBots fan for quite awhile. I have the LunchBots Duo and have used it for years now. I use it to store kiddie snacks on the road, I use it for school lunches, and I use it for my own snacks and lunch on occasion. It was this particular lunchbox that I took with me to a seminar I attended recently in fact. So color me overjoyed to try one of their new lunchboxes. I have eyed the Trio and the Quad with much desire.

The folks at LunchBots kindly sent me the Trio and I have used it steadily this week for post workout snacking. I either take it with me so I can run errands directly after or I sit at my computer desk with it and snack while I work. Whereas some of the other LunchBot options make sense for lunches this box seems to be better for snacks or sides to accompany the main event. Since they are all the same size you can easily stack them and wrap them up in a reusable bag for lunch if just one won’t cut it for you.

I like that they are simple in design, plastic free, and easy to clean and care for. The bento style lunchbox is also what we prefer to use here. The compartments keep the food from touching! My original LunchBot still looks like brand new and I have no doubts this one will stay nice too. I also love the brighter colors they have now. This shade of blue/teal is my favorite!

If you want to try one out LunchBots is offering an exclusive code for my readers this week only. Use code NATURE for 10% off and free shipping. Enjoy!

Deal now closed. To see what today’s deal is go here!

The Deal of the Day at Reuseit is for these super practical produce bags. I have some bags like these myself (though I needed to get more!) because they are perfect for Farmer’s market season and shopping the bulk bins at natural grocery stores. Instead of your market vendor bagging those yummy green beans or cucumbers in a plastic bag you can just hand them one of these. You can also fill one up with bulk grains, nuts, or seeds from the bins at Whole Foods. These bags are polyester but I actually like them better than cotton bags because the latter tend to shrink and get holes. :(

I don’t know how many times these nifty bags have saved me from having to accept a plastic produce bag.  They are well worth the initial, small investment. Today only a five bag set is 30% off, making them $7.76. Use code FLIP30. Enjoy!

One of the most common questions I get from readers is “Where Do I Start”? They may know they want to make some changes but they really have no idea where to begin and that is perfectly normal. It can be daunting when you decide that you want to make your home healthier and greener, especially if all this is new to you. Most of us have time constraints and money constraints so that has to be considered as well. No matter which way you slice it though the easiest way to get started is to just pick a problem and fix it.

What are your hot button issues? Are you most worried about chemical cleaners, additives in your food, off gassing of plastic products, or getting the toxins out of your indoor air? Just keep a running list of things you want to change, products you want to buy, and ideas for greening and cleaning your household. Take this master list and compare it to your budget and your schedule and get started in any small way you can. Once you start ticking things off that list you will gain some momentum and you’ll realize that you have more influence over the health of your home environment than you think. Here are three ways you can get the toxins out of your home. These are as good a place to start as any.

Clean Up Your Your Laundry Routine

So what exactly is the smell of clean laundry? If you think it smells like a fresh mountain spring you are probably exposing your family to chemicals every time they wear clean duds and you are washing those same chemicals down the drain. That smell is actually a chemical perfume that scientists in white coats have spent hours tinkering with and it was not to make sure it was safe for you either. Lots of money goes into researching scented products because they know that scents sell the product. Skip it! The skin is your largest organ and wearing clothes cleaned in those chemical perfume products is like wearing a nicotine patch 24/7 but with perfume chemicals instead of nicotine.

Try greener, cleaner laundry products like soap nuts, Dr. Bronner’s, or one of my new favorites of late Roux Maison Essential Fragrance Free. LOVE this product! It is made with purified water, non-hazardous biodegradable surfactants, non-hazardous biodegradable salts, and 100% pure essential oils. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Free, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) Free, Formaldehyde Free, Pthalate Free, 1,4 Dioxane Free, Paraben Free, Phosphate Free, Readily Biodegradable, Optical Brightener Free, Neutral pH, Not A Marine Pollutant, No Harmful Chemical Residue, No Animal Testing, Vegan, No Genetically Modified (GMO) Ingredients, Safe for Sensitive Skin, Ingredients Classified as Non-Hazardous, Low Sudsing. All in all, very good stuff.

Dryer sheets are also loaded with chemicals and we can avoid those by hanging clothes to dry on a clothes line or hanging racks. For days when you would prefer a dyer, perhaps in the winter or when it is raining, you can use dryer sachets made with lavender or wool dryer balls. These easy household hacks produce the same results but with less impact on planetary resources and on our health.

Clean the Air

Adding indoor plants is a lovely way to bring fresh air into the home. They do a great job cleaning the air and absorbing contaminants. Spider pants, ivy, and ferns are all good for this purpose. When the weather is fine it is also a good idea to open as many doors and windows as you can to let let things air out.

Indoor air purifiers are also a welcome addition to a clean and green home. We have been using our Bionaire purifiers/ionizers for many months now. I would hate to be without them!

Clean Your Bathroom

Start with the cleaners under your sink. If you currently use harsh chemical cleaners, switch to hot water, castile soap, baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. Not only will your house smell fresh and clean without synthetic fragrance the germs will be just as dead. You can also rest easy that your family will not be poisoned.

Shampoo can be ditched in favor of a baking soda/apple cider vinegar routine or a shampoo bar. Toothpaste can be bought without fluoride or SLS. I personally like the coconut oil based toothpaste from Tropical Traditions. Lotions, potions, and other body products should be certified organic if possible and made with food based ingredients. Toss conventional over the counter meds in your medicine cabinet in favor of of homeopathic and herbal remedies. Reduce chlorine exposure in the shower and tub by using a chlorine filter.

Once you tackle some or all of these issues move on to the next area of concern… perhaps healthier foods or a safer sleeping environment. This is a process and we keep learning, growing, and changing as we go. The important part is to take that first step and make that first change. To your health!

This post is part of the Green Moms Carnival hosted this month by Groovy Green Livin! Also added to the Natural Mamas Blog Hop.

Woot! Time for another another exclusive discount for NatureMoms readers, courtesy of one of my favorite online stores, Reuseit. The discount is available for their uber stylish glass water bottles found here. I have one myself (see above) and I use it all the time for water and hubby uses it for iced coffee. It makes the rounds during the warmer spring and summer months! I like that the design is simple and it is easy to clean. Below are some of the lovely designs you can get:

Glass bottles can be expensive and this one is a great value for the price, which I why I was quick to buy one. If you want to get an even more amazing deal you can get one of these bottles for only $8.45. Use code GLASSBOT at checkout to reduce the price.

Update: This deal is now EXPIRED. 

Last year I got some Bazura Bags to use for packed lunches. We like them quite a bit for that use, the kids especially. A lunch bag made of recycled juice bags just has a cool factor I guess. I like them for quickie lunches on the go because they have carrying handles and it looks like a purse. Well, I am finding another wonderful use for them that makes them a bit superior to our other lunch bags/boxes… we can use them for food storage when not in use.

The medium size Bazura has become my Lara Bar storage container. Now my yummy carrot cake, coconut cream, and blueberry muffin goodness is easy to find and doesn’t end up knocked to the floor of the pantry. Not sure why but it sat empty, next to other lunchboxes in my pantry for awhile and I never figured out I could put it to use somehow. I am slow like that sometimes…

Bazura Bags can also be found at Reusit.

Planet Friendly Ways to Keep Pups and People Healthy and Happy

One of the things I have been researching lately is green puppy care. We don’t actually have a puppy yet but hope to get one someday soon. I grew up with dogs but I never much considered green issues and I pretty much let them play with or eat what you could buy at big box stores. Now of course I know from having children that much of what mainstream America is peddling is unsafe and it is also true of products for pets. When you have pets you want to avoid harsh chemicals in your home, unhealthy “junk” dog food, and puppy toys with chemical nasties. The planet friendly pet offerings these days have increased greatly. You just have to wade through it all…

Cleaning Up After Your Pet

This is my big issue with pets and the reason why we have not had one in a very long time. I cannot stand dog hair and pet messes. So I decided that when we do get a dog it will have to be one with short hair and no undercoat. I am also putting this off until my kids are older and able to help with care and cleanup. We are getting there but at least we have the safe, green cleaning part covered. We use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap for most cleaning, including cleaning our carpets. We use that and vinegar for our hard floors in the kitchen, along with a spray mop. When we have puppy messes using these methods will get the job done just fine without toxic cleaning products and we can sprinkle baking soda over spots so that they won’t smell.

Avoid Conventional Pet Food

This is a billion dollar industry and if we are to believe the deceptive advertising and photos on pet food bags then we might think our dogs are getting choices cuts of meat and other nutrient dense foods with every meal. In actuality the pet food industry is just an extension of the people food industry and pets get the “waste” that is unfit for human consumption. Many people are now trying to avoid anything produced within our nasty factory farming industry and yet this is what many choose to feed their pets. If we are eating that stuff we are eating the worst the industry has to offer, and our pets are eating the worst of the worst. Is it any wonder that many of the dominant pet food companies have been involved in pet food recalls that sickened and/or killed many pets? I think not.

Healthy, organic, raw pet food will help your dog with skin ailments, allergies, immunity issues, digestive disorders, and better overall health. Some good brands include Paw Naturaw, Primal Pet Foods, and the pastured raw pet foods from Tropical Traditions. Those options are all pricey but I am not sweating this because dogs do best on a primal diet like what we eat in this house already so we will likely make our own dog food. Dogs should NOT be eating dog food with grains, corn, wheat, and rice. They are carnivores, not vegetarians.

Natural Flea Control

If this becomes an issue make sure to look for a natural flea control option. Conventional flea collars and products have lots of chemical nasties in them. They are not safe for animals and not for the humans exposed to them either. Instead try cleaning and vacuuming often and launder pet bedding weekly. Use a flea comb daily and bathe them often with a natural shampoo like Cloud Star’s Buddy Wash. It has coconut oil and essential oils. You can also make your own flea collar by applying a carrier oil (like almond oil or neem) mixed with some essentials oils (cinnamon, rosemary, clove, peppermint) to their existing collar. You can make a spray by mixing some neem oil with some castile soap and spray it on their coat when fleas rear their ugly little heads. A DIY flea powder can be made using crushed herbs like rosemary, fennel, and eucalyptus. What you can make at home will likely be safer and more cost effective too. Other ideas include keeping grass cut short and buying nematodes at a pet store or garden store to reduce the flea population. There are plenty of natural options beyond the chemical ones you find at your vet’s office.

Planet Friendly Dog Toys

Just as with kids toys, lots of pet toys have BPA, PVC, lead, dyes, and other nasties. Instead of those buy toys made of natural rubber, rope, hemp, and organic cotton. The Simply Fido Bamboo Plush Rope Dog Toy is adorable and comes in many designs and colors. Also West Paw Design has many eco toys for dogs that use their Zogoflex material. It is plastic but it is also fully recyclable and built to last for as long as it is serving as a dog toy. These toys do not contain any known sources of lead, cadmium, mercury, latex, phthalates, hormones, Bisphenol A, or asbestos.

Reader Lysa submittedd this tip in regards to greener shew toys/food:

We give our dog naturally fallen deer antlers as chew toys. We’re lucky to have them available naturally but know that they can be purchased at reputable animal supply shops (feed type shops, not pet stores.) They are very nutritious and last a long time.

These are some important issues to consider when you have a family dog or plan to get one. For more ideas check out my article on Green Pet Products and Supplies. It has ideas for green bedding, bamboo collars, and eco cat condos. Enjoy and hug those puppies!

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day I thought I would highlight some ways to keep date night a green affair. Date night is something I hope that all couples are able to take advantage of at least once a month. It is so easy to lose your identity as a lover and partner when you have kids, home, work, bills, and all that other stuff that takes over our lives. I know I certainly let myself forget how important it was to stay connected to my husband over the years. Heck we didn’t even celebrate our anniversaries anymore. My husband and I have always been best friends but we had lost sight of putting time together first and foremost. We forgot how to be a champion for each other and be that soft landing place when things got tough. We re-committed to making sure we had couples time as much as possible and it has been amazing for us. Just before I sat down to write this post I was on the phone planning date night for the month.

Like a lot folks though we have to keep in mind things like budget and time. We have to get creative. As a family seeking greener pastures and healthier lives we also have to keep in mind our impact on our bodies and planet. Here are some ideas in that regard.

The Main Event

Share the Shower – Okay so this might occur before the date but it’s a great way to start nonetheless. Conserve resources by showering together. If you get er… sidetracked, with some other stuff while in there, just turn the water off for a spell and then resume. We have a nifty showerhead that actually comes in handy in that regard… it has a pause control built in. ;)

In House Date Night – Due to time, money, or lack of childcare it may be necessary to stay in for the night and that is a great green option. Stream a movie via Netflix or rent one from RedBox. Send the kids to bed, grab some blankets, and lounge on the couch or floor as you watch. You could also have a late dinner together with soy candles and music. Cook a pizza shaped like a heart or grill some steaks while you sip wine. If the weather is nice you could take it outside even. Find ways to take the ordinary and change it up a bit to make it special.

Take a Couples Class - Many cities and towns offer special classes for adults through their parks and recreation department. You could take a class on cooking, bread baking, painting, dance, ceramics, martial arts, a foreign language, or even a sport. Many of these classes can be done on the weekends when childcare might be easier to arrange. You better yourself, you have fun, and you spend time together, it’s a win-win. Bonus points for staying close to home and perhaps carpooling with another couple.

Get Active Together – Many of us talk about how we want to get back to playing tennis, go jogging more, or perhaps take up a sport. Why not do it together? Buy or rent bicycles or roller blades and start exploring your immediate neighborhood together. You won’t feel so embarrassed to fall on your tush if your partner is there next to you falling on theirs. Spend an evening at a local skate rink. Play Frisbee or croquet in the yard. Think about those active things your younger self would have loved to do on a date and do those!

Go Shopping – Ethically – If you want to exchange gifts or wear something special for date night check out local thrift stores. My husband and I also enjoy thrifting together and will often make a date to go thrift shopping when the kids are all in school. You can find great, high quality stuff at second hands stores! We also like to hit up natural grocers and farmer’s markets together. We walk the isles chatting, reading food labels, and finding new foods that are local to our area. You could also spend an afternoon hitting up yard sales or go to an estate sale. You spend time together and you keep your impact low by shopping green.

House Tours – For weekend fun spend an afternoon touring Open Houses. Try to keep it within 5-10 miles of your house. This is more fun if you don’t currently own a home or if you plan to buy another soon. That way you get to think about, and dream about, your future nest.

Go Organic and Local – Scout out smaller restaurants and cafes that use local foods. Bonus points for organic and/or pastured. It is fun finding these little local gems and also trying them. You are supporting your local economy when you do. Though it may not be local you can also buy organic liquor.

The After Party

Greener Bedroom Decor – The bedroom area might need a little ambiance. LED twinkle lights are perfect for bedrooms and they are a greener option. If you can find red ones, even better. That is what I have. These heart shaped lights run on batteries, so remember to use rechargeable ones. Just remember to unplug them before you go to sleep. Candles are another nice option but they do contribute to indoor air pollution. If you want to forgo them try flameless LED candle lights. We love these. For sheets go with organic cotton or bamboo.

Planet Friendly Birth Control – The greenest birth control method if NFP, followed by sterilization probably. If you want to avoid pregnancy and do not feel comfortable with either of those options check out this post for other options.

Greener Sex Aids/Toys – You can get organic personal lubricants from Good Clean Love. They also make love oils using essential oils. Sliquid Organics Silk is another good one. For sex toys just say no to phthalates. They can cause cancer, impair fertility, and damage our reproductive organs. You can find plastic or silicone ones that vibrate and have no phthalates. If you don’t need battery power then go for wood or glass. The glass ones are beautiful! In fact check out all the green sex stuff at Eden Fantasies. Good stuff!

Eco Lingerie – Each year I see more and more organic and sustainable lingerie options. The go to place in my mind is Etsy. You get high quality lingerie and you support small business.

Are you ready for date night yet?

Valid December 12 and 13, 2011 only.

CamelBak Stainless Steel , 0.75L Reusable Water Bottle

CamelBak Stainless Steel, Kids 12 oz Water Bottle

]]> http://naturemoms.com/blog/2011/12/12/naturemoms-exclusive-discount-on-camelbak-water-bottles/feed/ 2 http://naturemoms.com/blog/2011/12/02/conscious-box-holiday-version/ http://naturemoms.com/blog/2011/12/02/conscious-box-holiday-version/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:00:23 +0000 Tiffany http://naturemoms.com/blog/?p=8439

I started reviewing Conscious Boxes last month and fell in love with them if you recall. This month I got their holiday box and I got it at a discounted rate through a group buy place called Organic Soul. It is no longer available there but I will be keeping an eye there for more great deals. You can go to the company site if you want your own holiday box or if you want to order one as a gift.

On to the goodies! Here is a quick view of this jam packed box:

Berryplus – Is it strange that the thing that excited me the most when I opened the box was the circular container of laundry soap. I just couldn’t get over the cute packaging (contained 2 tubes for 2 loads of laundry) and the wonderful smell!It is 95% berry-based and 100% plant-based. The formula sounds awesome but the little microdoses will mean you have to recycle lots of little plastic tubes.

Chimes Orange Ginger Chews – I am not a fan of ginger candy usually (too hot for me) but wow, I really liked these orange/ginger chews. My husband thought he would luck into the whole bag since ginger candy is a fave of his but not this time pal.

Yummy Earth Organic Lollipop – My 5 year old lollipop expert got to test run this one. The verdict? Most delicious. Mom thinks they might be a much better alternative than candy canes this season.

22 Days Daily Mocha Mantra bar - This is a gluten free, soy free (thank you!) vegan protein bar made with raw and organic superfoods. The concept is that it takes 22 days of eating these to break your dependence on some other, inferior, food product. I love soy free protein bars so it was a hit with me for that reason alone but it also tastes really good, although it has a very strong coffee taste that initially put me off. Took a few bites to get used to. ;) Since there is no soy, it is based upon hemp and rice protein.

Sparklehearts Sparkly Body Lotion - We haven’t used this yet but we will! My daughter adores lotions, potions, and sparkly stuff but mom often nixes this stuff due to its toxic ingredients. Yeah, I am a big meanie. Anyway this lotion is petroleum free, paraben free, and phthalate free, and 99.6% natural. It uses natural mica for the sparkles and while I “may” nix that ingredient in a powdered product I feel comfortable allowing it in lotion form for my girlie. We will test out our little sample soon and this may end up in her Christmas stocking if she likes it.

ORAC Green Superfood from Amazing Grass – I already have a long term love affair with Amazing Grass. Anything they make is going to get a thumbs from me. The whole family actually… we heart them. Remember this video?

Mineral Fusion Mineral Body Lotion – We got the waterstone aroma and I am totally feeling as though I have entered some bizarre parallel universe. Between this Conscious Box and the last one I have slathered myself with more lotion than I had in 1 or 2 years combined I think. I kinda like it. And of course I love that it is natural and safe stuff.

drTungs Snap-On Toothbrush Sanitizer - This is a really interesting device. It supposedly releases all natural, anti bacterial vapors to kill germs and safely sanitize your toothbrush between brushings. You are supposed to replace after 60 days and it is also supposed to be 100% biodegradable though the packaging did not share what type of bioplastic it is made of. I will likely save this to use while traveling because we have a Violight to sanitize our toothbrushes and the whole family can use it.

Ostara Organics – Woot! This package had a small artist/mom biz feel to it. I also like the use of Ostara (Easter) in the name… has a pagan, earthy, goddess vibe and my oh my the included soy wax fragrance chunk smells good! The scent is “Colorado Holiday Wassail” I really wish I had a tart warmer so I could use it. May er.. have to buy one and keep this is stock.

Also loved the Lavender Mint Goatmilk Soap in this package.

Eat Cleaner Fruit + Vegetable Wipe - At first I thought these were handy wipes for kids but they are actually wipes for cleaning fruit and veggies before eating. I cannot see us using these but I will drop this one in my farmer’s market bag for when we can’t wait to to get home to sample the goodies.

Sacred Mountain Herbals Champa Vegan Soap – Infused with herbs and herbal tea and it smells delicious! Soaping up with this was a religious experience AND the paper that wraps it is seeded with wildflowers so we can save it and plant it in our garden. How fun is that?!! For pure magic and cleverness this may be my fave product in the box.

Uni-Fresh Cinnamon Air Freshener – This is made by Earth Friendly Products and it contains real cinnamon oils. The smell is yummy of course and it reminds me of the holidays. The timing for this was perfect because I was very sad this week to discover that my Aura Cacia Candy Cane spray was all gone and apparently discontinued.

Resveratrol from Reserveage Organics – Nice size bottle! I have heard some raves about this product but it not something I would have likely sprung for, even if I am “just” starting to get concerned about aging. It uses organic French red-wine grapes and wild crafted natural Polygonum cuspidatum root extract. This potent, rejuvenating blend with increased resveratrol levels, is supposed to maximize health benefits and reserve your youth naturally. Vegetarian and no soy (woot). I’ll give it try. Why not?

Yogi Tea – Got Bedtime and Green tea Kombucha blends. I am not a tea person but I am sure my hubby will drink these.

Justin’s Maple Almond Butter – oooh baby.. this is good. It splashes up a sliced apple for a great pre-workout meal. I cannot eat too much before I swim or run or I will get cramps but I still need fuel. Usually I just eat a small apple with some peanut butter but this product provides a nice change of pace.

Dropwise Aromatherapy Mister in Inspiration - 100% pure essential oil aromatherapy blend. Safe and gentle enough to use on your face. Spray it on your hair, your clothes, your linens, or just around you to cleanse the air and create an ambience. Smells very good!

Can you believe all of that was in this little box? Still lovin this concept…

So it goes to follow that if you use a negative-ion generator in your home you can benefit from the negative ions and the biochemical reaction they will create inside your body. Negative-ion generators also usually (from what I have seen) tend to be coupled with air purifiers. The air is cleaned of pollutants and allergens and it gets dosed with the happy molecules. I have been using air purifiers to do just that in my own home for well over a month now and have been VERY happy with the results.

I have two of the Permatech Ionizing Air Cleaners by Bionaire. With those we use Aer1 Ready Air Purifiers that get rid of germs and allergens. We have cleaner indoor air, it smells nice and clean in the house, allergens and germs are being filtered out, and optionally you can use the negative ion generator to fill the air with mood boosting negative ions. Typically I let the machine downstairs run for most of the day with the ion generator running for 3 to 4 hours in the morning. In the late evening I turn on the unit upstairs and we all breathe in fresh air while we sleep. They are slim units so we don’t worry about space. They have a washable pre-filter, which helps maximize filtration by the HEPA-Type filter, a filter service reminder, speed options, and a remote control. I can remember that I forgot to turn it on or off while I am sitting at my desk and just click the remote control to take care of that. Time to turn off the ionizer? Done in one click.

I think I have already seen a big improvement in my mood since using them but how to do verify something like that? Especially when you are also doing a variety of other things to combat moodiness as well. I can only say that I think they help. I KNOW they help with making the air cleaner and fresher though. We recently took a fake Christmas tree off the hands of some family members and it had been stored in their really musty basement. When we set it up at our house it stank to high heaven and made the whole house smell like rank basement. My first instinct was to break out the “birthday cake” soy candle and that worked only as long as it was lit, to mask the smell. Then I remembered (DUH!) that I could turn on the air purifier. Within 24 hours the smell was gone and I haven’t noticed it since. It was silly of me to forget because when we first moved to Ohio we were living in a 150 year old house and it smelled really old. My parents brought a similar but bigger air purifier into the house and within a few days all we smelled was clean air (no scent at all).

All in all, we are pleased as punch to have these purifiers. I had high expectations, hoping it would be a mood booster AND clean the air but it works on all counts, I am pleased to say. When we finally get a dog (my daughter is allergic) we will see just how well they filter out allergens too.

Disclosure: I received a free air purifier from Bionaire and Aer1 Filters (click for a filter coupon), plus several free filters to review, all words and opinions are mine of course. Many thanks to them for their generosity!

I got a great email question from a reader this week and decided to answer it on the blog. I think more and more people are wanting to transition from the Standard American Diet and easily available processed food to real, healthy, homemade goodness. The issue of course is that we find ourselves unprepared to cook real food because we are so used to heat and serve style meals. When we want to cook and bake from scratch we need the right tools so that we can stick with his new lifestyle and not decide that it is ultimately too much work. Our health will improve and so will our impact on the planet so it is important that we manage to set up our kitchen to make it easier to eat real food!

Here is what Danielle had to say:

Hello from Wisconsin. I have one daughter and trying for another. I have just recently become more aware of the choices I make for the my family and the impact it has on all of us. I started out by bringing my own bags to the grocery store, making my daughter her own baby food, getting rid of paper towels altogether, and a few other little changes. My goal for the new year is going to be making all our own food from scratch. Whether it’s snacks, dinner, smoothies, ect. With that being said, do you have any suggestions as to cookware and/or kitchen tools to help with doing so?

I have been trying to go back to a lot of your older posts and learning but as you probably know with having a little one I don’t get much time to do so. What are some of the best tips you could give me as to making my family and our house more green? As most of the people these days, we are on a budget. So I am hoping to make changes in small increments.

The following are some of the things I think a real food kitchen needs. As with anything you can start small and add things as you can. Also depending on what you are cooking some of these things may not apply to you but hopefully these ideas give you a place to start. Make sure to comment and add YOUR must have kitchen tool at the bottom of this page.

What You Need for a Real Foods Kitchen

Vita-Mix – My number #1 must have for the kitchen would have to be the Vita-Mix. I use mine literally all the time and have even joked that if the house were burning down I would run back inside to grab my camera and this amazing blender. We use it for making homemade nut butters, almond milk, butter, crackers, baby food (back in the day), popsicles, ice cream, sorbet, smoothies, mixed drinks, salsa, soup, raw cookies and desserts, and so much more. It is one of those gadgets that is always out on the counter because someone in the house will use it… at least 2 or 3 times each day. It is an expensive item but worth every penny and then some. If you have one you may not even need an immersion blender or a food processor plus you can buy a separate dry container for grinding your own flour.

I also have a Blendtec but I like the Vita-mix better.

A Dutch Oven – You can buy many different types of Dutch Ovens from the posh and stylish Le Creuset to the uber affordable Lodge Logic. The latter option works swimmingly so unless looking at that French version will make you super happy you can just go with the cheaper option. I use my cast iron Lodge Logic oven for making soups and stews when I don’t have time for a crock-pot. And as you can see below I also use it to make whole wheat sourdough bread on occasion.

Pressure Cooker – Okay, so you planned things REALLY badly and you need to cook up something really fast but you want that slow cooked for hours taste. You need a pressure cooker. If you’re are a meat eater you can also turn out really tender and juicy dishes using traditionally tough cuts of meat and you can do it 20 minutes instead of 2 hours. Some units can be used as a canner as well. I have no personal experience with these but I hear I am getting one for Christmas!

Crock-pot – These are perfect for meals with long cooking times… think chicken noodle soup, meatloaf, or chili. You can use a dutch oven or pressure cooker to get the job done faster but you may not want to heat your oven (summer) or you may need to cook while away from home. Since crock-pots plug into the wall and don’t require a stove they are perfect for slow cooking meals while you are working. You can also put them on a timer and have them start cooking while you are sleeping… ala overnight oatmeal.

I use my crock-pot more often than my dutch oven simply because I like to do all the food prep while my kids are at school. It can get hectic in the evening to have to chop all the veggies and such. For meals that only need 30 minutes or so, like my Potato Leek Soup, I use the cast iron dutch oven. Can’t wait to see how the pressure cooker works itself into the equation.

Bean Pot – These awesome pots can be used to soak and also cook your beans. I have an antique one that I got as a gift but you can also buy them new.

Dehydrator – I have an Excalibur food dehydrator and it is almost essential if you enjoy raw foods. In mine I have made cookies, crackers, dried fruit, fruit rolls, almond flour from almond pulp, and many other raw food dishes. They are also great for campers and hikers because you can make home cooked meals and then dehydrate instead of buying those freeze dried packets at sporting goods stores. Being able to dry fruit is a great way to preserve foods for winter time consumption.

Rice Cooker – If you eat a lot of rice or quinoa (raising hand) then having one of these saves loads of time and you don’t have to worry about burning. Most of these have non-stick coatings though so I suggest clay or stainless steel. They are pricier than your $30 rice cookers at Walmart but you don’t have to worry about cooking your food in nasty chemicals.

Pizza Stone – In my mind there is no reason to order pizza out. It is super easy to make your own pizza and it is MUCH healthier. My kids eat pizza loaded with fresh basil and spinach and you won’t find that at Pizza Hut. If you do make pizza at home then having a good pizza stone is nice. You can use them in the oven in winter and on the grill in summer. Easy!! You can also use these for things like biscuits and cookies.

Waffle Maker and/or Griddle - If you like waffles ( I recommend sourdough waffles) then you will love a cast iron waffle maker. Don’t buy the conventional ones with a non-stick finish. Same goes for griddles. A cast iron griddle is perfect for cooking eggs, pancakes, and even homemade english muffins.

Cutting Boards – Nourished kitchens see lots of veggie action. As a result of this I seem to have a bit of a bamboo cutting board addiction. I have 2 regular ones, a cutting block style board, and one that has a nifty colander built in for cutting and rinsing over the sink. I also have a plastic one from my non-green days and I keep it around for cutting meat. I won’t let meat touch my wooden boards. I also have a glass cutting board.

Colander – Typical kitchens usually have one but just in case I love the metal ones that are designed to fit over the sink. Love, love, love them! Plus you can use them as baskets when not in use to hold potatoes, fruit, eggs, etc.

Mixers – I have wanted a good mixer with a dough hook for years. I cannot seem to rationalize the cost of a KitchenAid though when we don’t do that much baking or bread making. Maybe someday if we find an awesome deal I will finally get one.

Good Pots and Pans – I wrote an extensive post on healthy and green cookware already so you can refer to that for the ins and outs of cast iron, stainless, aluminum, copper, etc.

Yogurt Maker – You can make yogurt in a crock-pot if you make up large batches and you can even use a jar and a heating pad. I happen to prefer the ease of a yogurt maker and I use the same one today that my mom used when I was a kid. If you decide to get one look for ones that have glass containers, not plastic.

Ramekins – Love these for reasonable portions of things like pudding and ice cream but also for cooking. I love to toss a egg in one and then top with a slice of fresh tomato, a sprinkling of herbs, some bread crumbs, and some cheese. Meat eaters like some crumpled bacon. Cook in the oven until the eggs set and voila, an easy an delicious breakfast for the whole house. Love these colored Rachael Ray ramekins!

Casserole Dishes – Speaking of Rachael Ray I am also loving her Stoneware bake sets that can be used for casseroles. Her cooking gear started out very cheesy (and plastics heavy) but it has taken a turn for the better in recent months. I can see making a veggie casserole or sweet potato casserole in these.

Juicer – I used to have a juicer but decided that I ultimately enjoy drinking the pulp and fiber of a fruit rather than just the juice. But if you are into raw foods or you need the extra healing that fresh juicing can provide, then a good juicer is essential.

Water Purification – We use Brita pitchers for filtering our water and an Alkamate for alkaline water.

Ball Jars – I use Ball jars for tons of things around the kitchen. We use small ones as drink cups for the kids and quart sized ones for protein shakes and green smoothies for adults. I also use them to store flour, grains, quinoa, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, rice, dehydrated fruit, cereal, oats, etc. You can fill them from the bulk bin at your local grocer or you can buy packaged and then transfer it. It keeps things fresh, bug free, and I label the bottom of the jars so that I know what is in them. I put a sprouting lid on them and use them for sprouting seeds. The lid and jar combo can be used for sprinkling powdered cleaners, like my homemade scented scrubs to. I use them to make fermented foods like sourdough and kefir and store things in the fridge. They have a million uses!

Also, any glass jar will do. I just mostly use Ball jars because we don’t buy much food packaged in jars but I do have a couple Bubbies pickle jars in there to.

Below: Potato flakes, quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, coconut flour, quinoa flour, almond flour, flaxseed cereal, flaxseed meal, and some others I am likely forgetting.

Glass Refrigerator Dishes – As I mentioned above, I use Ball Jars for lots of my storage needs but when I have leftovers that won’t fit in jars I use glass refrigerator dishes. I have lots of vintage pyrex for this purpose as well as some Anchor Hocking glass dishes.

Storage Baskets – For food that stays outside the fridge like potatoes, onions, garlic, apples, bananas, lemons, bread, etc, we use baskets for easy storage and they go on a large metal shelving system that sits in our kitchen.

Chef’s Knives – Just like you need good cutting boards for all those fresh veggies you will be chopping, you need some good knives to.

Miscellaneous Stuff – An apple corer, wooden cooking utensils, wood and metal serving bowls, a hand crank mixer, a nut chopper (go vintage if you can!), spiral slicer, nut milk bags and cheesecloth, a kitchen scale, metal spatulas, a Tagine, and a fermenting crock.

Whew! Did I go a little crazy with this run down? What do you have to have in your kitchen?

I have been a gig fan of Bazura bags for a long time and just look at them… they are so darn clever! There is nothing inherently cute about juice bags and plastic waste but when recycled into these adorable bags I think it just works. It become stylish and functional.

My daughter has been taking the mini lunch box to school every day. It is the perfect size for child’s school lunch and she seems to enjoy it as well. The regular lunch tote is actually quite roomy. We took it with us hiking this past weekend and it held egg salad sandwiches and some extra water for a little post hike noshing (served 3 easily). Since it is insulated I felt comfortable keeping the sandwiches in the trunk while we hiked. It was nice to have a rewarding little picnic afterwards.

We probably have more than enough lunch boxes… we seem to collect them along with water bottles, but I think these two are permanent additions.

More about Bazura Bags:

• Made from recycled juice packs by a women’s co-op in the Philippines
• Very durable and well constructed
• Saves non-biodegradable juice containers from landfills
• Every one is handmade, colorful, and totally unique.

They also have coin purses and shopping bags. Plus I think the lunch totes double well as purses. ;) These would make excellent Christmas gifts for the eco savvy folk in your life.

Also available at Reuseit.

This month the Green Moms Carnival is addressing green pets. Why October? October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and also National Pet Wellness month. I haven’t really blogged about green pets much… can only think of one or two other times that I have. Shameful I tell ya!

I guess the reason I don’t discuss pets all that often is because I don’t really have any. Yes, we have reptiles but those belong to my son and he pretty much does all the work in taking care of them. Since we rent our home we don’t want to pay a deposit and monthly fee for having a dog or cat. But when we do buy a house (still trying to figure out where we want to lay down some roots) then we will be getting a dog right quick and I have all sorts ideas and plans for how to keep it green. We are going to feed our pup organic raw foods and forgo the bags of unregulated, toxic dog food. We are going to buy green chew toys, use natural flea and tick repellents, and hopefully find our perfect companion at a shelter. In short, I am really, really excited to get a dog. Is this what happens when the children grow older and you can’t have more? You get a puppy and decide to mother it? ;)

In the mean time we keep it green with the pets we have and reptiles are actually pretty amazing in that regard. We have two Bearded Dragons, a female named Samantha and a male named Skyler. Also a Russian Tortoise named George Lopez.

They reside mostly in terrariums made of metal and glass. We got them second hand at an estate auction along with UVB lights and heat lamps. Decor for inside the tanks is really easy as well. We use crushed walnut shells substrate to line the bottom of the two tanks and there are other natural items like wood logs and rocks. My son sourced all of it from local woods.

Their diet is also very “natural”. We feed them the same greens and fruit that we eat along with bugs and worms (the beardies only). These things can be expensive if you buy them exclusively through pets stores so my son goes hunting for them in areas he is sure have not been sprayed with pesticides. He also breeds worms and crickets as needed. When we do have to go to the pet store we end up with plastic bags (crickets) which we won’t reuse because they had bugs in them and plastic tubs that hold worms. The plastic tubs get reused many times over for various things but it still brings more plastic into the home, so limiting that is important.

I find them to be excellent pets if you want to keep things minimal and green. It is really easy to find all the gear you need second hand at yard sales and on Craigslist because you can use reptile habitats as well as fish tanks. They do, however, require more electricity than your average pet because they need a UVB light and a heat lamp. The temperature in their tank has to be regulated and they need the the UVB light to remain healthy. We made this more manageable by putting these on timers so that nothing accidentally gets left on longer than it needs to be. We also have thermometers in the habitats as well as Timothy Grass for burrowing on colder evenings. During warm and sunny weather the tanks are put directly in front of windows so they can get natural UVB rays and the sun heats their tanks without a heat lamp too. If you live in a climate where it is always warm than you will have an even easier time caring for them.

They are actually quite fun too. GREAT for kids. They can explore the house and they love to sit on your lap or your chest while you watch TV, play on the computer, or do some other task. The beardies are really very friendly and like to be with their “people” and to play. The tortoise is less interested in people but he is very entertaining to watch. It is pretty easy to clean up after them too.

They do have a big downside though in that they aren’t animals that you can just pack up and board someplace unless you are lucky enough to have a place that boards reptiles nearby. If you want to go on vacation they cannot be left on their own for more than a day or so. You pretty much need to have a backup care giver you can take them to or a reputable pet sitting service available that specializes in reptiles. We aren’t looking forward to that situation when the times comes. Having these guys in the house has really curbed our wanderlust. But as far as pets go, they are pretty easy to care for, inexpensive, and they are wonderful pets for those who want something more lovable than fish but less work than a dog.

Do you have pets? How do you “keep it green”?

Part three of Recyclebank’s Green Your Back to School Challenge is all about keeping it green even after school is over for the day. It has lots of great info and more chances to earn points.

The first activity involves making a pledge to keep after school activities at school or nearby and to carpool with other parents. This isn’t much of an issue for me as I am not big on after school activities beyond playing.

After school snacks are discussed and they are just as important as what your child eats at lunch so the need is still there to make it healthy and sustainable to the best of our abilities.

There were some interesting stats on children who do homework at night versus those who do their homework while the sun is still out. We may need to make some changes in that regard. There is a quiz about how to keep it green while using a printer to print off assignments… another thing I need to look into, although for me and not for the kids! There were also some alarming stats on how much energy is consumed actually USING your computer compared to when it is just sitting idle.

This whole challenge has been fun and eye opening. Recyclebank has done a great job with it!

This post is part of a campaign sponsored by Recyclebank.

I have a small water bottle collection going on at my place. I have my water bottle that I take to the gym and another one for hiking. I have a couple glass water bottles for when I don’t have to worry so much about breakage. I have stainless steel water bottles that are perfect for the kids to take to school and now I have a nifty new bamboo water bottle from the Bamboo Bottle Company.

I have been using it in a variety of settings for a few weeks now and I like it well enough to give it a permanent home in my household. For starters the design is very sleek and beautiful as well as eco friendly. While it does have some plastic pieces, most water bottles do, even most stainless steel ones. This bottle has something that makes it uniquely different though… the outer shell is made of a silky smooth bamboo and the inner compartment that holds the water, is made of sturdy glass. Bamboo is eco friendly because it is fast growing (unlike wood) and sustainable. The glass used to make the bottle is comprised of 51% recycled glass and it remains remains 100% recyclable. The plastic pieces are BPA free. I love the fact that it looks like a wood bottle and that it is actually glass with a protective covering. One of my other glass bottles has a silicone protective cover and I prefer the look and style of the bamboo.

It works well for hiking and walking in the city park near my house, as well as drinking water around the house. I also take it to the gym occasionally but find it is a bit too hard to open and close at a fast pace. If I am in the midst of an aerobics class and I need a quick sip, this is not the bottle for me. That is really the only criticism I have about it though… it requires a bit of finesse to screw the lid back on each time. Oh and it is a bit too large for my car cup holders, but I have found that most water bottles are.

The cleaning is easy and you don’t have to worry about warping the bamboo. The bottle disassembles into 5 pieces for easy cleaning. Wipe down the bamboo cover with a damp cloth and the rest can be put in the dishwasher. I love easy it to clean because I am tremendously picky about having a clean, germ free water bottle and I wash mine 2-3 times a week.

The bamboo water bottle gets an A+ from me.

Many thanks to the Bamboo Bottle Company for sending this bottle my way.

Last week I completed the Recyclebank challenge to green my school supplies shopping and prep. This week Recyclebank is challenging us to green the first day of school.

Luckily we did not have to get up at 6:00 a.m. like the mom in the challenge. Yikes! Our day started at 7:00 a.m. I got up and showered about a few minutes before that and then woke my daughter so she could shower next. She has to have time for her waist length hair to dry. ;) My oldest boy was already up and ready by this time, dressed in his khakis and polo uniform. He ran out the door at 7:30 when the car service his school uses arrived. On a normal day his sister would be catching a bus about 15 minutes  later but today both parents had to be at the school for the first day so she drove with us. My husband had the task of getting our youngest up and dressed while I contemplated breakfast and lunch. All three kiddos will be taking buses or a carpool to get to school/therapy so definitely the greenest option, other than our own two feet. Honestly we do like that our house is outside of the walk zone. I totally admit that. When we did the walking thing the year before last it was very good most of the time but the coldest parts of winter were pretty bad, especially when neighbors and even the school itself did not regularly shovel walks. We like the bus after that experience. We get 10 points via Recyclebank for doing so…

Although it was not smooth sailing for my youngest kiddo and his speech classes. The bus never came to pick him up and when I called the transportation department so ask what was up. They were like “duh” the bus ins’t there so take him to school yourself. The guy literally told me to stop bugging him since he was busy. Oh and he would “try” to put him on a bus home. Can I take 10 points away from that heinous anus transportation director? Grrr!

Anyway… more points were to be had for considering what you can do to green your child’s classroom, study habits, and their lunch experience. I pledged to serve some leftovers in school lunches so that less resources are used. That is easy enough for me since I already do that. During the school year dinners are planned specifically to make leftover lunches easy.

Most of the challenge in greening your school year is done in the planning and shopping phase but there is still much to be done on the first day to. I came home with a bunch of useless paper so I am off to see how much can go in my printer and how much can be used as scrap paper for my little artists. How did your first day of school go?

If you take a look at most any interior decorating book, magazine, or website you usually come away rather discouraged at the amount of money that it takes to achieve the look you want your home to have. It seems that anything resembling that glossy magazine photo is going to cost some serious green. But quite frankly there is a simple and effective method for attaining the look that you want without spending a fortune; all it takes is a solid knowledge of the style you have in mind, an empty car trunk, and a free Saturday morning for yard sales, thrifting, and time to pick up some Craigslist booty.

I do not happen to have the desire to turn my house into a magazine photo. There is nothing wrong with that but it just isn’t my thing. I like simple decor that screams “a family lives here” not “I have an interior decorator”. Plus my tastes are eclectic… I like farmhouse decor, modern, retro, bohemian, and new age and I am not afraid to mix, LOL. Either way you decide to go though… second hand shopping can get the job done. Garage and yard sales particularly are a great source for second hand items, but don’t overlook second hand shops and thrift stores as well as moving or estate sales or auctions that you can find advertised in your local newspaper. In fact, you never know where you are going to find awesome second hand objects and sometimes friends, neighbors and family will be more than willing to give you items they are looking to get rid of or that have been taking up much-needed storage space for years.

Avoidance Issues - There are plenty of people who shy away from decorating their homes with second hand furnishings or decorations because they somehow feel that purchasing something second hand will somehow give them a negative reputation; that somehow people looking at an object will know that it was purchased second hand. Success means having the money to buy the best and buy it brand new right? Whatever…

There are still others who won’t consider second hand decorating for reasons that range from quality to safety, but for those who can get past their aversion to having something in their home that once belonged to (or was used by) someone else, the benefits of decorating your home with second hand items is fairly self-explanatory.

The Benefits of Second Hand Decorating

The primary reason to purchase second hand furnishings and decorations is fairly obvious; price. Buying second hand items almost always costs less than it would to purchase the item new (unless you’re dealing with an antique – in which case all bets are off). Not only can you save yourself a great deal of money, you can also find high quality, even unique, one-of-a-kind items at a fraction of the cost they would cost you in a regular store. Items that would normally cost you hundreds of dollars can be had for a bargain; especially if the individual selling them is anxious to be rid of them. When we moved into our current house almost a year ago we had no kitchen table. Our previous one (which we had since we got married) bit the dust in the move. Anyway I knew I wanted either a farmhouse table or a vintage table from the 50s/60s. The farmhouse tables were over $800 used and the vintage ones were hard to find. I saw new vintage-style tables like I wanted for around $500 but I had serious doubts if the quality would be the same. So I waited almost a year but eventually I got what I wanted at an estate auction and the cost could not be beat… ready for it… $1.00. Yes, I said one dollar! It is a retro/vintage kitchen table set from the 60s I would say. I LOVE it!!!

This baby is metal and sturdy as heck. The color combo is brown/beige/mustard which also pleases me. But the table will match many different cushion colors so someday I might redo the cushions to mint and butter yellow. Some of the chair fabric is ripped or otherwise I wouldn’t even bother. It also fits the space better. Who was I trying to fool thinking a  farmhouse table would even fit there or look good? I am not Martha Stewart and I don’t have a farmhouse near a vineyard. I live in a rented duplex that kisses the outskirts of a large city. This table is me… simple, practical, no frills.

A few weeks back we got a white leather recliner from a sale for $5. We got it home and quickly realized why it had been sold so cheap. The cushion from inside was disintegrating and throwing up everywhere. Every morning it looked like someone had thrown popcorn all over the place. So, we freecycled that one and found another the same day via Craigslist for $15. It is even better suited to us and our brown couch… olive green, cushy, and cloth covered. The lady who sold it to us also gave us a nice metal filing cabinet and sold us two large dressers for $5. An older find is this old time school desk that was only $3 and serves as a homeschool nook for us:

I LOVE second hand stuff!

One of the least recognized benefits of purchasing items second hand is in knowing that what you are purchasing has already ‘proved’ itself. If the item is still usable and looks good after having been used for a length of time, chances are that it will serve you will and not wear out or fall apart as so many ‘new’ things tend to do fairly quickly after being purchased.

For art work we have purchased second hand of course but since I take pictures I like to hang my own art. To make that cheaper I use Group deal sites like Groupon and MamaSource and get them half price. When you refer friends you get credit too and all three of the canvas photos on my family room wall were FREE. I like that price!

It really isn’t hard to decorate your home, even if you are on a shoestring budget, it just takes a little creativity and a willingness to consider purchasing items from places you normally might not consider buying them, but by thinking outside of the box you can make your home into a truly original work of art.