CT Green Scene

Plastic Bag Ban Making a Difference

by Stephen Meno

The days of deciding between paper and plastic at the checkout counter may soon be at an end. The Los Angeles City Council recently approved a measure to ban all plastic bags from over 7,500 stores and impose a 10 cent tax on customers wishing to still use the store’s paper bags. While other cities in California and throughout the country have already banned plastic grocery bags, many believe that this Los Angeles ban will influence the rest of the country.

In Connecticut, Westport has long been ahead of the trend by being the first place east of the Mississippi to ban all retailers from using plastic bags in 2008. And because of this ban, there has been a 70% increase in reusable bag usage since then. Some retailers are even doing their part to encourage customers to bring their own bags. For example, ShopRite gives a refund of five cents for every reusable you use. In just a few shopping trips, those 99-cent canvas bags will pay for themselves!

Toxic Chemicals in Common Laundry Products

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

The most common, name brand laundry detergents contain toxic chemicals. Some of the ingredients are even considered carcinogenic. And they don’t even have to be listed on the label of ingredients, according to Dr. Anne Steinemann of the University of Washington. (See a previous article on this site about toxins found in detergents and health and beauty products.)

Dr. Steinemann did two separate studies on the toxicity of laundry detergents. The first study was published in 2008 after she analyzed three laundry products: a laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheet and three common air fresheners. She found that about 100 volatile organic substances were given off by the products she studied and that none were listed on the products’ labels. She also stated that the fragrances of such products, including fragrances used in cosmetics, tend to cause the most problems for people's health. What's more, they aren’t required to be listed on the label.

Fair Trade Bracelets "Made With Love"

Got a yen for recycled rubber? Look no further than Made With Love. Their recycled rubber bracelets, as well as other accessories, are made by craftswomen in Africa, Brazil, and Haiti. The women are paid fairly for their work and the profits are donated to charities that support women and children in all three countries.

The initiative was kick-started in 2007 by Mary Jane Marcasiano, a designer whose own work has been highlighted in such lines as Cole Haan and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her Made With Love organization works through the non-profit Cygnet Foundation that supports programs that feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide day care and education and training programs.

Coldplay's Chris Martin caught the recycled rubber bracelet bug when he wore them from 2008 to 2010 on his Viva La Vida Tour. He also had kiosks set up during the tour to sell the products. All the proceeds directly supported Made With Love.

The recycled rubber bracelets retail for a set of 18 at $28. They come in an array of different colors. You can purchase them on their web site or at these Connecticut retailers:

Capri, Fairfield
Suzie Creamcheese, Westport
Whyevernot, Mystic
Wish List, Greenwich

Bethany HomeCrafts

By Christina Cioci



MaryLynne Boisvert has a talent that we at CT Green Scene appreciate and admire. She recycles wool sweaters and other materials to create unique and fun pieces of clothing, accessories and home décor. About 15 years ago, MaryLynne began to knit. Soon after, her friend Fran Larson of Blue Moon Woolworks taught her how to do needle felting. MaryLynne began her business, Bethany Homecrafts, with rugs made from recycled materials. 

To reach a wider range of customers, MaryLynne decided to incorporate her felted creations. Her booths at local farmers markets and other venues began selling more felted creations than rugs and her business evolved in that direction. “In the past year I've begun making skirts from recycled cottons,” she said. “So now the bulk of my business is in the recycled clothing I make, some of it is needle felting, and none of it is rugs!”

These wonderful creations can take some time to make but MaryLynne has it down to a science. From gathering the used materials to threading the last piece together, the process can take some time. MaryLynne gets a lot of the materials from thrift shops, friends and customers. “I have a friend in Maine who does a lot of shopping for me,” she said. “They have to wear warm sweaters there a lot more than we do, so the sweaters tend to be a lot more interesting there- much more woolly!” 

MaryLynne finds many man-made materials but prefers to use natural. The list of products made with her reclaimed materials is impressive. Everything from skirts to mittens, pot holders and diaper soakers, a customer will be delighted with their choice. Clothing is made from recycled cotton and the adorably charming needling felting includes birds, sheep, chipmunks, bunnies and pretty wall hangings.

Summer 411: Sunscreen

by Christina Cioci

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, everyone knows that the sun’s rays are harmful to our bodies without the proper protection. Today there are all sorts of new sun-blocking innovations like UV protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, just to name a few. But, the most basic yet most important protector: sunscreen. Moisturizer with an SPF should be applied daily even in the winter months. For the summer, sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage is a must at the beach. UVA coverage wards off the sun-burning rays while UVB coverage wards off skin cancer and pre-mature aging signs.

Although it is crucial to wear sunscreen while outdoors, studies have found that the same thing that is protecting your skin may be killing marine life. Environmental Health Perspectives conducted a study and a researcher said that, “20,000 tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers, divers and surfers in the ocean every year.” That number is astonishing and knowing that most sunscreens are packed with harmful chemicals you can imagine how an amount that large could harm the ocean’s occupants.

Operation Trashdown: Consider Cosmetics Packaging

by Ilene Moyher

Welcome to another installation of our Operation Trashdown series, a concept for creating a cleaner earth. Everyone can help by adopting the ‘less trash’ mindset in their shopping and daily routines. Considering what ends up in landfills and in our oceans, here are some ways each person can help reduce the amount of trash created and save money, too!

The next time you’re strolling down the cosmetics aisle, notice the amount of packaging – it often far exceeds the amount of product. Many cosmetics are in hard plastic (non-biodegradable or non-recyclable) containers, then in cardboard, and sometimes with cellophane wrapping.

Socially & Environmentally Responsible Shoes?

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

You want to do more to be socially and environmentally responsible with your wardrobe, but where to begin? Considering it can take 1,000 years for a standard shoe to degrade, not to mention the toxins from the glue used to make the shoe seeping into the earth...

Begin with your shoes!

There has been a surge in responsible shoe manufacturing. This is fantastic for a couple of reasons--these shoes can be made of recycled, organic, non-toxic and biodegradable materials. Some companies are making sure their shoes are not being made in sweat shops and others are using sustainable resources as well. There are even vegan shoes made without any animal components.

Cracking Down on Chemical Regulation

by Brittany Shutts
   
It is overwhelming to consider the quantity of potentially harmful chemicals in our environment and the products we use. Some people seem driven to paranoia by the constant flow of new information regarding the risks of products and chemicals they once believed to be safe. From water bottles to baby bottles, the checklist of products to be wary of continues to grow.
   
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is appealing to the government to crack down on the regulation of chemicals. They claim that the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 needs to be rewritten to require that chemicals be tested before they are released in products. The AAP also wants a “post-market surveillance system” to look out for potential health complications once the chemical is on the shelves. A similar system is already used for prescription drugs.
   
Rather than testing chemicals before they reach the consumer, a chemical entering the market is, in a way, innocent until proven guilty. Unless the government can provide adequate proof of a substance’s “unreasonable risk,” it remains on the market. A great deal of damage can be done before a chemical is put to trial.

The Plastic Purge

By Brittany Shutts
   
In light of this past Friday’s Earth Day, one of the most significant things you can do for the planet is to cut the excess plastic out of your life. It is detrimental to the health of humans and wildlife and piles up in U.S. landfills and oceans. Several companies are making a forward-thinking effort to cut back on plastic usage. They are eliminating packaging overkill and even replacing plastics with innovative biodegradable materials. (See last week’s Operation Trashdown for links to reduce, reuse, and recycle!)
   
Companies like Ford are investing in a groundbreaking alternative to plastic that comes from a surprising source: mushrooms. The material was designed by Ecovative and has been used since 2007. It is formed by growing mushrooms in agricultural by-products like corn, oat, or seed husks, producing a waterproof and fireproof mushroom foam solid that is completely biodegradable. Ford has plans to use the foam to eventually replace petroleum-based plastics in the bumper, side doors, and dashboard. Polymers made from mushrooms are also being used to form a new packing material to replace Styrofoam, which takes up a quarter of U.S. landfills.

The Spring Cleaning Arsenal

by Brittany Shutts

Household cleaning products are often more dangerous than the microbial adversaries they were designed to kill. Indoor air pollution can reach levels between two and one hundred times the level of the pollution outdoors. A study from New Scientist in 1999 shows that mothers in households that regularly used aerosol sprays and air fresheners had 25% more headaches and experienced a 19% higher incidence of depression. The infants in the study suffered from 30% more ear infections and 22% higher rates of diarrhea.

With that in mind, finding the right products to clean your home may seem a daunting task. We discussed this topic in a previous article on this site. Increasingly, there are products on the market that offer a more natural and non-toxic way to clean.

The labels on cleaning products aren’t required by law to disclose more than the active ingredients, and the word “natural” can be misleading. Seventh Generation is one company that has nothing to hide. They have a policy of disclosing the ingredients on the label of their products. For many other products, the Material Safety Data Sheets are a valuable reference for comparing ingredients. Click here to access the database.

Chemical-free cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated, though. The simplest means to clean your home are probably already in your kitchen. They are safe for you, for children, for pets, and the environment. Some of the basics include white vinegar, baking soda, and liquid soap or detergent. By using these simple components, you can ensure that you know exactly what is on the tip of your sponge without expending your energy scouring labels instead of kitchen sinks.

Common Good Market Makes Common Sense

by Heather Burns

Have you ever bought something just because it was a good deal? Over the years, I’ve been guilty of “retail therapy,” like buying discounted designer shoes that were a half size too small; plastic, disposable toys made in China because they were 4 for $1; and a new comforter (full of fire retardants) with each new season that fell apart within months.  While these “bargains” may have temporarily quelled my urge to consume, not only did they mean nothing to me 5 minutes after walking out of the store, they came attached to an enormous ecological price tag.

My awareness has grown over time and I've made progress toward becoming a more conscious shopper (mostlly by avoiding places like the mall altogether), but Rick and Elizabeth Conrad, co-founders of Common Good Market have a mantra: buy things made to last by people who live and work in your community. An online marketplace of artisan-crafted home goods sourced and assembled in New England, Common Good Market has a vision of connectivity that inspires.

Quality vs. Quantity

“When we focus on buying items based on quality, beauty and utility – we surround ourselves with things that serve our needs and that we treasure, value and pass on,” Conrad says. “I’ve been married for thirty years and like a lot of people in that situation, we’ve accumulated a lot of stuff that has or will end up in the waste stream. Instead, we can buy things made by people whose story we know and whose work we love.”

Conscious consumer advocates would argue that this type of “conscious consumerism”—that is understanding that value extends beyond price – is more personally rewarding and has far less negative impact on the environment than purchasing disposable or products that suffer from planned obsolescence.

Building a Living Economy

And it’s not just the environment that benefits from products like those featured by Common Good Market – the local economy is also positively impacted by purchasing locally-sourced, handmade or small batch manufactured goods. “When we choose to buy a table made by a local artisan using sustainably harvested woods, we will absolutely spend more money on that table than we would spend for a table at the chain furniture store. The table at the chain may look nice and may even be made from solid, sustainably harvested wood. But if the table is imported, then how did that purchase support our local workforce? How much of what we spent went back to support the people living and working in our own neighborhood,” says Conrad.

“Visit our site (www.commongoodmarket.com) and read artisan profiles about the lives, passion and dedication of the artisans we’ve come to know and love,” Conrad says.

Eco-Stationery in Fairfield

by Eileen Weber

Eco-friendly note cards are no longer a novelty. But they are when they come with a cartoonish image of pantyhose on a clothesline with the tag line, “Thanks for your support.”

Cait Morrison, owner of Fairfield-based Atta Girl! Stationery, wants you to keep these kinds of note cards on hand. Made from eco-friendly papers with vegetable inks that come in biodegradable sleeves,  these little gems are stocked in local stores throughout Fairfield County and they are getting a bit of a buzz.

Morrison said that the card industry mainly caters to women because they are the base market. Men write on stationery or cards that are given to them or pre-made. Think Christmas and Valentine’s Day. But these cards are for everyday use as just a humorous quick note to a friend for under $3.

Paper Planting

by Eileen Weber

Have you heard? The days of wrapping your holiday gifts in paper you throw out are over! Take that wad of balled up silver and gold and plant it. Yes, that’s what I said. Put it in the ground and wait for spring. It’s that simple.

Little Kay Gardens provides and eco-friendly alternative to what has typically been, well, a big fat waste. They take their 100% recycled “Gift Wrap That Grows” and embed wildflower seeds.

As early as two weeks, you can begin to see growth. The pre-seeded paper comes with an assortment of flowers like baby snapdragons, black-eyed Susan, and corn poppies. The company, founded by Lynn Shoshani and Jim Johansen, is happy to point out all the environmentally responsible ways the paper avoids pollution.

Eco-Snow Blower

Looking for a stress-free way to shovel the snow this winter? Why not try the Sno Wovel? This contraption made by New Canaan-based Structure Solutions II, LLC, clears snow away three times faster than snow blowers and does it without the fumes. See an excerpt below from a press release posted on the Environmental News Network.


"Structured Solutions II announced the launch of their newly-designed wheeled snow shovel this fall. The all new Folding Frame Sno Wovel® debuts in a new category of hybrid tools, combining safety for the user, protection of the environment and high-performance. The Sno Wovel is the only human-powered snow removal device performing equal to or better than a snow blower. No fuel, fumes and deafening noise to harm the environment or the operator. The Sno Wovel's zero-carbon footprint and maintenance-free design makes it a formidable competitor to noisy combustion engine snow blowers."

To read more of the press release, click here. For more information about the Sno Wovel, visit their web site or call their customer service at 877.699.6835.

Otto’s Market: A Small Store With Big Messages

by Angela Hotaling

In upstate New York there sits a small country style market named Otto’s. Hudson Valley Magazine awarded Otto’s with the title of best, new, local food market. The mission statement says it all: It aims “to be the best small grocery store in the Hudson Valley.” With a diversity of clientele ranging from farm families to New York City tourists, a good thing about Otto’s is it aims to “give the customers what they want!” This means that Otto’s shelves need to be stocked with a wide range of products at a range of approachable prices.

In order to be a long lasting business in such a small town, it really boils down to supply and demand. Otto Leuschal, the market’s owner, says that before he opened in the winter of 2008, he gathered a panel of Germantown residents to question them about what kinds of products they’d like to see in the store. He says before he consulted the panel, he would have had no idea to stock some of the items that were mentioned. This kind of dedication is what counts. With so many stores that have superfluous products overflowing the shelves, Otto’s gets to the point of grocery shopping.

Kimberly-Clark goes tubeless

Who doesn't enjoy a good roll of toilet paper? Kimberly-Clark's Scott Naturals hopes you will enjoy their new tubeless rolls. In what some are calling a much-delayed foray into the eco-friendly market, the company is launching this as a means to reduce waste. They will be testing the tubeless rolls here in the Northeast in chain stores like WalMart. See the excerpt below.

Roll with it: Scott's tube-free toilet paper
by Matt Hickman
Thu, Oct 28 2010 at 9:46 AM EST

"USA Today is reporting that on Monday at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across the Northeast, Kimberly-Clark will introduce tube-free loo rolls through the Scott Naturals brand.

The "tube-less technology” behind the toilet paper is, not surprisingly, hush-hush. While the holes in the rolls may not be as round as we're accustomed to, they will fit over standard spindles and every last square of toilet paper will be useable. And to be clear, the toilet paper will not boast recycled content. But hey, it’s a start.

If the product performs well during the test run at Walmart and Sam’s Club, Kimberly-Clark may unleash tube-less toilet paper on a national — or even global scale — and extend the technology to paper towels."

To read more, click here.

Image courtesy of Kimberly-Clark.

Traces of Cancer

by Eileen Weber

Have you ever taken the time to find out what is actually in your laundry detergent? How about your shampoo? Or even the baby wash you use when the kids have bath time?

Most people don’t even give it a second thought. Yet, many products have high levels of contaminants like 1,4 dioxane, a known carcinogen to animals and the EPA says a probable one for humans. According to a May 22nd article in Natural News, David Steinman, who heads up the Green Patriot Working Group, initiated a study of harmful chemicals in the products we use. Working in conjunction with the Organic Consumer Association, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and the Clean Water Action California, the results of that study showed such staple household items like Tide laundry detergent had 55 parts per million of 1,4 dioxane. In fact, Tide was not the only Proctor & Gamble (P&G) product to contain high amounts of the chemical. The list also included Ivory Snow, Gain, Cheer and Era, some of the more frequently purchased detergents.

Natural and organic products often boast of being chemical-free. It may be a little shocking to know that traces of 1,4 dioxane can also be found in natural products as well. Granted, the levels are far lower than the more conventional products (the highest levels rate at 6 parts per million). But, they’re in there. And if they’re in the bottle, they end up on you and in the water. Planet Ultra Liquid and Mrs. Meyers laundry detergents were the top two natural products that contained traces of this chemical.

Silly Trend

If you have school-aged children, then you know all about Silly Bandz. These rubber bands made from silicone and die-molded are coveted by boys and girls alike. They trade them. They collect them. They fight over them. All of this much to the chagrin of teachers across the country. In fact, many schools have banned the little suckers from their classrooms. They come in an array of shapes including animals and electronic gadgets like iPods and MP3 players. And when they break? Hey, just throw them out, right? Just one more silly trend adding to our garbage pile. See an excerpt from an article in The Boston Globe below.

Bandz in Boston
The Boston Globe
By Beth Teitell
Globe Correspondent
Posted June 3, 2010

"'I really don’t know why I like them,’' said Casey, 10, shrugging cheerfully as she chatted with other girls who were similarly decked out. 'I figured other people liked them.'’

She figured right.

The rubbery bands, which come in a multitude of collectible shapes — cowboy boots to monkeys to Wally the Green Monster — are so trendy that if they were a person, they’d be Justin Bieber.

Silly bands meet all the requirements of a modern craze. They’ve nabbed the top-selling spots on Amazon’s toys and games category. Kids can’t stop talking about them. Parents are fighting over limited supplies, according to one manufacturer. Schools are banning them. A-list celebrities are reportedly requesting customized packs for fans. And, of course, there’s the requisite Facebook page, Twitter feed, and YouTube videos.

Seen stretched out on the wrist, the bracelets — known generically as silly bands, but sold as Silly Bandz, Zanybandz, Stretchy Shapes, and Goofy Bands — don’t look that special. It’s off-wrist that the genius of the product can be appreciated. They come in such a wide variety of shapes that there may not be a human alive who couldn’t find something appealing."

To read more, click here.

Image courtesy of Sillybandz.

Green Food Tips for Earth Day

by Analiese Paik, Founder and Editor of the Fairfield Green Food Guide

One of the easiest ways to make Earth Day every day is to green your kitchen. Here are some delicious and fun ways to reduce your family's "foodprint" while eating well. Click here to view the video from this segment on News Channel 8’s Good Morning Connecticut Show.

Buy locally grown food from a farmers' market and learn to cook with the seasons.
 
Best-selling author, restaurateur and Wholesome Wave Foundation founder Michel Nischan's new cookbook, Sustainably Delicious, presents over 100 recipes for home cooks looking for delicious and nutritious ways to prepare seasonal food that is good for the environment, for animals, for farm workers, and for our tables. Michel advises us to "Eat what's available in season, celebrate variety, respect the land and eschew waste." His mission is to show that choosing local and sustainably grown food offers innumerable rewards, including some of the very best flavors Mother Nature has to offer. Who thought a humble parsnip could be this delicious?

Carpet Tile: Not Just Something To Walk On

by Simone Pipek

Carpet tiles are a good alternative for the savvy shopper. They are inexpensive and, if you spill red wine on your little beige beauty, all you have to do is exchange this one tile. The downside is that the glue that is being used to hold the layers of the tiles together is commonly made of PVC or other unrecyclable chemicals.

According to an article in Green Chemistry, a British publication focusing on cutting-edge research on the development of alternative sustainable technologies, that currently leaves about 154 MILLION pounds per year of used tile to clog our landfills in Europe alone. This number can be doubled or tripled for the US.

But help is on the way. The Green Chemistry Center of Excellence in Great Britain, which is part of the University of York, conducted a study to get to the bottom of the problem. The powerful adhesives used to bind the layers of carpet tiles are so strong they can’t be separated. But the researchers, supported by the British division of InterfaceFlor, a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of carpet tiles, developed a new starch-based adhesive that is just as strong as established products. But, it still allows the layers to be separated and recycled for roofing materials or backing layers for new tiles, for example. Also, its resistance towards fire and extreme heat accounts as a huge success.

Underwear goes bananas

by Simone Pipek

The banana is a healthy snack, filled with dietary fiber, low in cholesterol, and a good source of vitamin D, potassium and vitamin B6. But there is much more to this beautiful yellow arch than just that.

Considered a waste product of harvesting, the stem of the banana plant is filled with fiber and is used for various textile products. From bags, rugs, and coasters to table mats and tablecloths, the banana fiber does it all. In Japan, banana fiber has been used for making kimonos since the 13th century. This lightweight fabric is known for its durability. Most importantly, it is 100% biodegradable without a trace of chemicals.

So it comes at no surprise that visionary manufacturers are trying to find a way to refine the fiber. Because banana fiber has a very small price tag attached to it, making it suitable for clothing can be especially attractive.

Green innovations, One gadget at a time

by Simone Pipek


On Tuesday, March 2, the CeBIT in Hannover, Germany, the world’s biggest tradeshow for the digital industry, opened its doors for its annual showcase of everything that’s new and newsworthy. Whereas a lot of products on display may make our lives easier, they might not necessarily be environmentally friendly.

One application though, developed by the renowned Fraunhofer Institute, might become a go-getter. This has been the coldest February in many years. This winter’s electric bill could send chills down your spines.


So imagine a world where you could literally see how much energy your washing machine uses—and at what cost—in real-time. And all you need is your beloved cell phone (it has to be a smart phone, though), which functions as a control device.

Cardboard: the other material

by Simone Pipek

Furniture is often made out of the most obscure materials. So why not try something new and pair a cool design with a clean conscience? Cardboard is a strong, eco-friendly basis for an individual home. We use it every day, but its lifespan is usually rather short in our houses.  If we buy shoes, order books online, or finally treat ourselves to that great new flat screen TV, all those items come in a box. But cardboard shouldn’t be limited to packing material. There are many great products on the market that are surprisingly made of cardboard and give recycling a whole new meaning.

What exactly is cardboard?

Cardboard is the common name for corrugated fiberboard. It is a paper-based material consisting of a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. Old corrugated containers are an excellent source for recycling. The baled boxes are put in a hydropulper, which is a giant industrial blender filled with warm water for cleaning and processing. The pulp slurry is then used to make new paper and fiber products. If you are crafty and like little projects at home you can make your own paper out of your recycling, just like a recycling mill – only smaller. A very easy to follow description how to do it you can find here.

Cardboard Design is a company based in New Jersey that offers incredible designs for chairs, tables, room dividers, vases, toys and anything else you can think of for your home – all made out of recycled cardboard. You can find their products at Printicon in New York City on 7 West 18th Street (please ask for Vahid Pourkay), or in their online store.

If you and your family like to do jigsaw puzzles, you should certainly check TDC Games, a company that uses recycled cardboard and paper for their puzzles, and the pieces can even be planted in soil after you solved the puzzle, and wild flowers will grow out of it. Furthermore, the board game The Green Game educates you about everything you should know about our planet. It is made of 100% recycled material and painted using soy inks.

Are you looking for an eco-friendly and pretty day bed for your feline friend? Look no further, because this kitty lounge chair is made of cardboard and doesn’t only serve as a scratch pad but also as a conversation starter and focal point due to its beautiful design. Available at Amazon.com

I fell in love with these deer trophies by Cardboard Safari. They are all recycled and certainly 100% Peta-approved, since they are made out of cardboard, so no animal was harmed. They come packed flat and have to be assembled, which is actually fun, too. The company also offers bison, moose and rhino.

Even on your journey to your last resting-place you can ”go cardboard.” A company in Hong Kong offers coffins made of biodegradable material and recycled paper. In a previous article on this site, we discussed green funerals. Click here to read more.

If you acquired a taste for cardboard by now – which I hope you did – get creative! A small selection of furniture for kids made by YOU. Yes, it is possible with these absolutely free downloadable and printable patterns by Swiss-based architect Nicola Enrico Staeubli and his website Fold School. You can choose between a stool, chair and rocker. You don’t need much more than used cardboard, a ruler and a cutter. Another find is Emma Hardy’s book ‘Cardboard – Craft Workshop’. It shows explicitly how to make small furniture, lamp shades, ornaments and more out of cardboard. Available at Barnes &Noble.

During the research for this article I came across British artist Chris Gilmour, who takes everyday items and reproduces them in original size out of cardboard. A few of his art pieces include a Fiat 500, a wheel chair, a piano, dentist’s chair, a microscope and many more. Both beautiful and inspiring. The sky is the limit!

Happy Cardboarding!

Images courtesy of ChrisGilmour.com, Amazon.com, and Carboard Design.com.

You Go, Girl

by Eileen Weber

I have three daughters, aged 9, 7, and 5. I remember when they were teeny weeny, still fascinated with dressing up as Snow White. Now, they’re in grade school. My oldest one rolls her eyes every time I try to give her a kiss goodbye. They’re growing up fast. They’re not little babies anymore. They’re big girls and getting bigger every day.

Two moms from New Hartford felt the same way about their own daughters, especially when it came to their skin care. For our babies, we make an effort to buy products that are all natural without harmful chemicals. Why stop just because the little piggies got a bit older?

According to an article dated September 24, 2008, the Environmental Working Group conducted studies that showed skin and cosmetic products contain hormone-laced chemicals. For young girls who experiment with products more than adults, these hormones end up in their bodies. More to the point, those hormones can contribute to diseases such as diabetes or even some cancers.

That’s why Kim Grustas and Grace Petrarca teamed up to found Good For You Girls, their skin care product line geared for the nine to fifteen year olds. Between the two of them, they have six daughters.

Love is in the air: A green Valentine’s Day

by Simone Pipek

In case you were unaware, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Hallmark holiday or not, this day is meant to show the important people in your life how much you love them. Classic Valentine's gifts are romantic, but can often be major eco-culprits. So why not switch it up a little and celebrate this day with your loved ones AND a clean consciousness? Here are a few suggestions for Valentine’s Day that are eco-friendly and fun!

The EPA’s Chemicals of Concern

by Eileen Weber

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its “Most Wanted” list of chemicals. With phthalates topping out over short-chain chlorinated paraffins, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOA, the EPA is zeroing in on chemicals that not only pose a cancer risk but can also affect brain function.

According to a press release from the organization, Administrator Lisa P. Jackson reinforced the EPA’s commitment to chemical management. “The American people are understandably concerned about the chemicals making their way into our products, our environment and our bodies,” Jackson was quoted as saying. “We will continue to use our authority under existing law to protect Americans from exposure to harmful chemicals and to highlight chemicals we believe warrant concern.”

Jackson continued by saying the national chemical management laws are pitifully outdated. Unchanged since the Toxic Substance Control Act in 1976, there has not only been a lack of initiative in managing the chemicals but there has been an increase in the number of chemicals available in products currently on the market. In 1976, there were 60,000 chemicals on the market. Today, there are 80,000.

Goats: Not Great Gardeners, But the Cheese Is Great

by James Simpkins

This past Sunday on route 2E about ten miles southeast of Hartford, I realized that I spend very little time in that part of the state. This was not exactly a revelation since I spend most of my time in Canton in the opposite corner, but it is rather beautiful out that way. However, I wasn’t just out for the colloquial “Sunday drive” (though I wouldn’t have minded); I was on a mission. For goat cheese. 

While attending a party in Simsbury at a colleague’s house, I met a Latin teacher named Mark. Though he insulted the French language (pronouncing it “badly spoken Latin”), which normally removes people from the Christmas card list, he quickly redeemed himself by sharing some of the goat cheese be had brought. There were four different kinds of fresh chevre on the plate—chive, herbes de Provence, black pepper, and dill—and all were delicious. When I inquired where he acquired such bon fromage, Mark further endeared himself to this gourmand when he said “we made them at our farm.”

The “we” Mark was speaking of includes his husband Paul, the main cheesemonger and their farm—already well-known to more local residents—is called Beltane Farm located in Lebanon, CT. Mark and Paul breed, raise, and milk their flock of Oberhasli and La Mancha goats twice a day to bring lucky Connecticut residents their fresh goat’s milk and cheeses. And from my own experience, the goats appear really happy to be there, too. And why shouldn’t they be?

Eco Love Glove

by Eileen Weber

If you’ve read this site with any regularity, you are aware of the kind of stories we tackle: climate change, land conservation, food and farming issues just to name a few. But today, these sober topics will take a back seat to the eco-friendly condom.

There are brands that use natural products. There are brands that will biodegrade. There are brands specifically made for vegans. And, there are brands with the latex allergic in mind. So many condoms, so little time. So what’s best for the environment?

Starbucks Wins! (Crap.)

by James Simpkins

I moved to Connecticut’s Farmington River Valley about two and a half years ago and am still looking for a good cup of coffee. Check that—an amazing cup of coffee. Spare me the Dunkin’ Donuts angle; I’m tired, and their coffee couldn’t hold a candle to what I’m talking about. Here, go to this website so you’ll have a frame of reference. Honestly, Equator Coffee is the best cup o’ joe I’ve ever had, which is backed up by them winning Roaster of the Year for 2009 in Roast Magazine to add to their growing list of accolades. To top it off, they all drive hybrids or bio-diesel, recycle everything, compost their waste, just purchased their own farm in Panama where they are sustainably growing coffee with Panamanians at the helm, AND they are owned by women.

How’s that Dunkin’ Donuts tastin’ about now?

This upper echelon of coffee is what's missing in my locale. And while it may sound over the top for some of you, once you try it, you will at least appreciate the gross difference between what Equator and DD are selling--it's like finding out your butter is margarine.

Vegetarian What? (Part I of at least II)

by James Simpkins

I had a bowl of “vegetarian chili” this past week and thought twice about the nomenclature—something about it wasn’t right. When I looked in the dictionary for the word “chili” I discovered why dictionaries are sometimes not the best place to go for a definition—it said “a sauce made of meat and beans”. As definitions go, this one borders on the ridiculous.

First of all, chili is NOT a sauce except maybe for coney dogs; and it is NOT a soup. It is chili—a dish in and of itself, not just to be lumped in with vichyssoise or queso dip. Some folks from certain parts of the country will tell you that real chili doesn’t even have beans in it. Take that, Merriam-Webster!

What really stokes my ire, though, is when dishes that traditionally have meat are made vegetarian but look and taste like meat. Isn’t this some sort of ethics violation? Or could we make it one? And carnivores, you (for once) are off the hook. Why, oh why, if you don’t eat meat do you want the flavor of meat? Over the next two weeks I’m going to be writing about it even more—today’s article is just an introduction to the topic. First, I have a confession to make.

Smart Choices: A Pig With Lipstick

by Eileen Weber

Recently, some of the major food manufacturers, including Kellogg’s, Tyson, Kraft Foods and General Mills launched a new label for food called “Smart Choices.” The foods that get the thumbs up are such sugary confections in brightly-colored boxes as Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, and Cocoa Krispies. These cereals were given the green light because they contained a certain amount of fiber and Vitiamins A and C. The fact that they have the sugar content of a box of cookies is apparently beside the point.

"The point of the program is to make processed foods look healthy when you really want people eating foods that have been as minimally processed as possible," said Dr. Marian Nestle, a professor of nutritional studies at New York University, as quoted by CBS News on September 6th.

But Eileen T. Kennedy, president of the Smart Choices board and the dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, disagrees with Nestle. In a New York Times article dated September 4th, Kennedy said that the program was based on “government dietary guidelines and widely accepted nutritional standards” as well as “research into consumer behavior.” The research showed that information was nice, but don’t give people bad news about the food they like.

“The checkmark means the food item is a ‘better for you’ product, as opposed to having an X on it saying ‘Don’t eat this,’ ” The New York Times quoted Dr. Kennedy as saying. “Consumers are smart enough to deduce that if it doesn’t have the checkmark, by implication it’s not a ‘better for you’ product. They want to have a choice. They don’t want to be told ‘You must do this.’ ”

Kennedy continued by saying that Froot Loops were a better breakfast choice than, say, doughnuts. Just so you know, Froot Loops are also a better breakfast choice than a container of Crisco.

Trash-Free Lunch

by Eileen Weber

I don’t know what it is. Every year when September starts to roll around, I suddenly feel the urge to dash out and buy a pack of loose leaf paper and a pencil box.

It’s the pencil box that makes me giggle. You know the kind—it has a pair of scissors that won’t cut dirt but a compass with a point so sharp you can kill a horse. Add to that a protractor for all that geometry homework assigned in kindergarten and you’re starting the school year off right.

Back-to-school always means shopping for supplies. And most importantly, some of those supplies will go in your child’s lunch box.

Now there’s a can of worms. If you give your child a homemade lunch, too often your child is throwing away excess waste with plastic bags and tin foil. If you allow your child the hot lunch from the cafeteria, you’re dealing with a sticky issue about the actual nutrition your child receives. Those lunches consist of processed foods with way too much sodium and high fructose corn syrup, which only adds to our juvenile diabetes and obesity rates. School lunches are not so easy.

Holly’s Oatmeal

by James Simpkins

Did you know there is a company that makes consciously healthy, all-natural oatmeal from scratch in Torrington? Me neither.

Recently, I’ve been heading south for my day job going through Torrington to avoid dealing with Hartford traffic. I noticed a sign for Holly’s Oatmeal a few times and decided that I was, in fact, not seeing things. Located on Northside Drive, it serves as both office and residence for Holly DiMauro, founder and owner of Holly’s Oatmeal.

In November, 2006, Holly started packaging the oatmeal she had been serving at her restaurant “Holly’s Place” in Saulsbury, CT. A short while later, she sold the ‘place’ and starting creating oatmeal full time in March of 2007. Her recipes are generated from fond childhood memories. Because she couldn’t source the grains she needed anywhere else, she gets her main ingredient from Bob’s Red Mill, an all-natural grain supply in Oregon.

Take a look at Bob’s products the next time you’re at the supermarket—especially a Whole Foods. They are pure, whole grains—and you’ll pay for them, but Holly swears there is no substitute. For instance, she uses a flax meal that is guaranteed to hold its nutritional value for 12 months. And, none of the recipes have added sugar or salt. When I asked her why she was spending the money on sourcing the grains, she said, “Look, I’m going to make you something I would make and give to my family.” Not exactly spoken like a capitalist.

“I started with the ideas of healthy, convenient, and easy-to-make,” she continued. “Then I considered the money.” When I asked why she goes through all the trouble to do what she does if not for the dough, she said, “If for no other reason, it’s for the thanks that people give me. Those keep me going when I wake up sometimes and think, ‘Why do I do this again?’ It’s definitely a labor of love.”

Where Did You Get All Those Wonderful Toys?

by Eileen Weber

Organic. Recycled. Fair trade. These are some of the common eco-buzz words for many products on the market. But in particular, they apply to some really cute toys.

Wood blocks, trucks, dolls, tea sets. You name it, it’s out there and plenty of moms and dads are scooping them up.

Places like Tree Hollow Toys in Woodland, CA sell toys made in the U.S. and Europe. All of them are eco-friendly and sweatshop free. Green Toys, also based in California, make their toys from your recycled milk containers. You put out the trash; they make toys.

Sprig Toys in Fort Collins, CO, offers what they term on their web site as “an exciting line of battery-free, eco-friendly, paint-free, kid-powered toys sure to dazzle the most discriminating preschooler.”

Pokkadots.com is an online toy and clothing shop for little kids that offers organic and eco-friendly brands. They also separate gift options in age range and price breakdown. Need a quick gift but don’t have a lot to spend? Click on their “under $25” link.

Green Screen

by Eileen Weber

I love summer. As a kid, I remember those hot, humid days. My friends and I would head for the beach, lay out and compete with each other for that Savage tan! Remember that tin foil looking thing people put under their chins to get better rays?

Now, I slather myself and my family in 14 layers of sunscreen, long sleeves and a big hat. Short of wearing a HazMat suit and beekeeper’s headgear, we’re totally covered. Who cares if we sweat profusely? At least we won’t get skin cancer.

That, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is precisely the point. On their web site, Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs for the FDA says, "For more than 30 years, consumers have been able to identify the level of UVB protection provided by sunscreens using only sunburn protection factor or SPF values." The FDA is hoping to upgrade the sunscreen labeling into a 4-star system. With this proposal, "Consumers will also now know the level of UVA protection in sunscreens, which will help them make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their children against the harmful effects of the sun."

The American Cancer Society will be the first ones to tell you that skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) is the most common of all cancers. According to that organization, skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. This year, they estimate that nearly 70,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States alone.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization founded in 1993 that uses the “power of public information to protect public health and the environment”, rated top brands of sunscreen. They found that some of the leading brands weren’t exactly as advertised. Banana Boat, Coppertone and Neutrogena were among the top offenders in not providing enough skin protection in their products.

No More Waste. Period.

by Eileen Weber

A friend of mine sent me a link for a product that was reviewed on IdealBite.com. It was a menstrual cup, a device meant to be 100% leak-proof during a woman’s period. While admittedly I felt a little squeamish, I was also intrigued.

With a list of reusable menstrual cups like DivaCup, MoonCup, MiaCup, Lunette, and The Keeper, there are plenty of options on the market. Using one of these cups stops the waste of tampons, pads, and liners from ending up in landfills. Many of the products we have grown up using don’t break down, especially those products that include a plastic backing.

For quite some time, tampons have been associated with toxic chemicals. Tampons have also been directly linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome, an illness caused by a bacterial infection from the use of hyper-absorbent tampons for an extended period of time. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, fever, dizziness and possible fainting from a drop in blood pressure.  

According to some estimates, the average woman in her lifetime can use enough feminine hygiene products to fill a dump truck. And that’s just one woman. Think of the millions of other women who are doing the same thing every month. Millions of non-biodegradable feminine products are thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet causing residual plumbing problems. Suddenly a silly concept becomes an important environmental statement.

Based on the comments Ideal Bite received, there’s not a single woman who has used the product that gives it a negative review. Some have said it takes a few times to get used to it. But once you get the hang of it, it’s simple, easy, and leak-proof. What more could you want?

Funerals: The Newest Green Trend?

by Eileen Weber

My mother died at the end of last month. We cremated her, just as we had done with my father six years earlier. And like my father, we chose a similar type of marble urn. But I wish I had known then what I know now.

There are biodegradable urns that will break down quickly and easily and not harm the environment. In fact, some of them even have wildflower seeds embedded in the material, which is typically recycled paper. Many people choose to bury the cremains so the flowers can grow on the burial site. Others choose a burial at sea in which the material simply breaks down and does not harm the wildlife.

Susan Fraser, Executive Director and Founder of In The Light Urns in California, said she sees more and more people cremating and looking for an environmentally friendly alternative. “Every fiber of these urns are made in an environmentally friendly way. You can get the personalization [you want] with an inexpensive urn,” said Fraser. “We even have shared urns. If Mom dies and the kids would each like an urn of their own, they have that option.”

Green Day for Mom

by Eileen Weber

So what are you getting your Mom this Sunday? If you’re like most people, you’ll opt for the simple solution: flowers. You can’t go wrong with a few pretty posies on Mother’s Day.

If fresh-cut tulips fit in your plan, why not try organic ones? Organic Bouquet has a nice selection online. They have all the usual suspects from roses to lilies to Gerber daisies. According to their web site, they have “sustainably grown and certified Organic, VeriFlora or FlorVerde” flowers and stand by their commitment to supply their customers with “only the finest eco-friendly flowers fresh from our partner farms.” Mom should be so proud.

If flowers aren’t her thing, don’t despair. Look for fair trade clothing and accessories from The Fair Trade Federation. Plugging in Connecticut, Flavours Of Life popped up with sustainable gifts like their cotton and jute handbag or their tree resin beads and nickel free metal necklace. For something truly different, you may want to get her the finger piano with cymbals. Now that will be a Mother’s Day gift that won’t wilt on the dining room table!

If perfume is something more desirable, try Honoré de Prés, a 100% certified organic fragrance without harmful chemicals such as phthalates. For an honorable mention, try Rich Hippie, Blissoma Blends and Ecco Bella, fine alternatives to the usual petroleum-based fragrances on the market. They use natural oils and aromas from flowers, herbs and spices. And if Mom’s a fan of lavender, try Hood River Lavender Perfume from Oregon. They grow their own lavender organically and process the essential oils in a same-day harvest.

If Mom likes to cook, get her some fresh organic fruits and vegetables with a membership to a community supported agriculture (CSA). Just click on the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut’s web site for a list of CSAs in each of the state’s counties.

And if that’s not your idea of a sustainable gift, you can always plant tree. Try Pell Farms in Somers for locally grown nursery trees. What’s good for Mom is good for the environment!

Photo courtesy of Organic Bouquet.

Do New Bulbs Save Energy if They Don’t Work?

Published by The New York Times
March 28, 2009
By LEORA BROYDO VESTEL

SAN FRANCISCO — It sounds like such a simple thing to do: buy some new light bulbs, screw them in, save the planet.

But a lot of people these days are finding the new compact fluorescent bulbs anything but simple. Consumers who are trying them say they sometimes fail to work, or wear out early. At best, people discover that using the bulbs requires learning a long list of dos and don’ts.

Take the case of Karen Zuercher and her husband, in San Francisco. Inspired by watching the movie “An Inconvenient Truth,” they decided to swap out nearly every incandescent bulb in their home for energy-saving compact fluorescents. Instead of having a satisfying green moment, however, they wound up coping with a mess.

“Here’s my sad collection of bulbs that didn’t work,” Ms. Zuercher said the other day as she pulled a cardboard box containing defunct bulbs from her laundry shelf.

One of the 16 Feit Electric bulbs the Zuerchers bought at Costco did not work at all, they said, and three others died within hours. The bulbs were supposed to burn for 10,000 hours, meaning they should have lasted for years in normal use. “It’s irritating,” Ms. Zuercher said.

Irritation seems to be rising as more consumers try compact fluorescent bulbs, which now occupy 11 percent of the nation’s eligible sockets, with 330 million bulbs sold every year. Consumers are posting vociferous complaints on the Internet after trying the bulbs and finding them lacking.

Green Binders Going Naked

by Eileen Weber

Heading out to Seattle any time soon? If you are, you may want to check out the Green Festival, arguably the largest sustainability event promoting green living. The Green Festival is a joint project between Global Exchange and Green America, two non-profit organizations committed to environmental change. So far, they expect 35,000 attendees to converge on the Seattle area the weekend of March 28th and 29th.

But here’s a little tidbit of information that might be interesting to native Nutmeggers: The Naked Binder, a sister company of Library Binding Service (LBS) based in Iowa, will be attending the festival. They will be showcasing a few of their eco-binders made from 97% post-consumer recycled materials from Connecticut.

“Our board supplier has a recycling plant that collects recycling in Connecticut,” said Ken James, Division Manager of The Naked Binder. “The paper is the recycling that you leave out by the street—all post-consumer waste.”

Considering the waste involved with vinyl binders, The Naked Binder, a company that also supports 1% For The Planet, sought a better alternative. Their product is based on a “cradle-to-cradle” concept. It takes into consideration the “lifecycle” of every component in their products and not just the finished version.

The binders are made from pressed board, metallic clips and, in some cases, organic cotton wrapping. “The rings are our sticking point,” said James of their popular binders.  “There are no U.S. manufacturers of ring systems so we import these. The book cloth, packaging materials and boxes we get locally.” James also said they get their materials locally. The cloth and packaging materials come from LBS and the boxes come from just down the street.

Revenge, The Environmental Way

by Eileen Weber

You know the old adage, “Love is…never having to say you’re sorry.” Honestly, I can’t think of a single time someone done me wrong in which I wasn’t expecting an extra sweet apology at the end. Some flowers and a bottle of wine might be nice, too.

But take that same quote and change it to “Revenge Is…” Now apply it to the environment. That’s what Marilyn Barrett did with her company of the same name that sells T-shirts and reusable bags made from recycled plastic bottles. To Barrett, Revenge Is…wearing your plastic instead of throwing it out. She bases her company on the belief that the “best revenge is living well.”

Her passion about the environment has been heartily focused on reusing plastic bottles in her merchandise. The RPET bottles, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate, are broken down into chips and melted into molten polyester. It is then pushed through what looks like a showerhead and made into filament. The filament is then spun into fibers that are woven into fabric. All of this is done without using any further oil or oil by-product in the process.

Not surprisingly, the company’s biggest seller is the plastic bottle T-shirt. “We get a lot of feedback from people who love the material,” said Bill Schlueter, a public relations representative from LaunchPad PR Inc., a fashion focused marketing firm for Revenge Is… and other companies that use recycled polyester. “It’s made from plastic bottles yet it feels ultra-soft like cashmere.”

Organic Wines: Part Deux

by Eileen Weber

About two weeks ago, my neighbors and I got together to drink a few organic wines. There were nine eager wine tasters in my kitchen, including one who works in the wine industry. None of us walked away feeling like we’d tasted anything remarkable.

I wrote about it a few days later. I got a response from representatives of two different labels we tried. One reaction came across as a bit defensive. The other offered a challenge: Try some of our other wines and see if you change your mind. That challenge came from Jim Caudill, a public relations specialist for Brown-Forman Corporation, a wine group that includes the organic label Bonterra Vineyards.

I must say, I admired his spunk. O.K., then. You’re on. Show me the money!

Last week, Caudill shipped me three Bonterra wines: A Sauvignon Blanc 2007, a 2006 Zinfandel, and their 2004 McNab, a blend of 60% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Petite Syrah.

We tried all three. I also picked up three other organic wines that were similar for comparison. In my opinion, however, none of the other wines are worth writing about.

One Chardonnay was described by my neighbor, Sue Potter, as smoky, “like a coal miner’s idea of a white wine.” In particular, there was a Cabernet Sauvignon that had the distinct smell of cat pee. It smelled even worse as it began to open up. Not surprisingly, those wines will remain undiscussed in this article.

More Than Just a Reusable Bag

by Eileen Weber

Looking for that classy little clutch or a funky Hobo? Look no further for your eco-chic handbag. There are some great shops online that have made the old new again.

Just a short drive down the East Coast, New Jersey-based Vulcana® handbags base their business on one simple question: Why buy new material when there’s plenty of it just lying around in landfills?

According to their web site, the car tires taken from landfills are transformed into rubber sheets. Vulcana manufactures the rubber sheeting, called “rubbRE”™, once the wire and fibers have been extracted from the tires.

 “People want the runway look with the earth-friendly aspect,” said Aline Denommee, a Vulcana representative. “The key is trying to combine them.”

The company also has a line of handbags with a layer of hemp on the outside of the rubber material. “Hemp has a different aesthetic,” she said. “There’s a little more strength to it.” Denommee also said the company is planning a new line using recycled plastic bottles, recycled fabrics and water-based dyes.

Green "Toys" for Big Kids

by Eileen Weber

I have a confession to make. I went to a sex shop. Now, I know what you’re thinking. No, it wasn’t one of those seedy little holes-in-the-wall with darkened windows displaying triple neon X's. It was more of a boudoir novelty store that was actually quite tasteful and fun.

The host was Margaret Wagner, CEO and Creative Director of Bedroom Matters in Westport. I went with a dozen other women like me, married with kids looking for a little “sexploration” to spice things up.

“People come into the store looking for permission to feel good and comfortable about themselves,” said Wagner. “They’re looking for something like that in a safe environment.”

The store’s biggest sellers are lingerie, candles, books, and toys. While only some of the products she sells can be considered eco-friendly, she said she is aware there’s a growing market for it. Of the adult toys she sells, she prefers those with rechargeable batteries. “I’m always looking for high quality toys that last a long time.”

With this recent visit to Wagner’s store, it got me thinking: has the sex industry gone green, too? Why yes, indeed. A quick Google search turned up tons of sites completely devoted to the green experience between the sheets.

Editorial Credibility in an Online World

by Elizabeth G. Howard

I was recruited by MomCentral.com to take part in their blog tours, when the subject was appropriate for my blogs. I have two blogs -- Letters from a Small State, which reflects on my life in Connecticut, and Honk if You Compost, my eco-humor blog.

I am on a mission with these tours: to write great reviews and thoughtful pieces for whatever I sign on to. I take the job seriously, even if the pay isn't much.

Recently I committed to review Clorox's Green Works Natural Biodegradable Cleaning Wipes. I am seriously curious about this brand-- I particularly wanted see if Clorox could sell me on this disposable product.

They didn't ... the wipes, although compostable weren't amazingly useful enough to make them worth adding to the cleaning products that are tried and truly low-impact.

Everyone's Truth is Out There
Curiously, my negative eco-humor-review was not too overly adored by the MomCentral crew-- I was asked if I didn't want to tone it down just a little bit? This has indicated to me what I have been suspecting about this far-reaching and influential website (and others like it): online reviews can often be more about promoting products than they are about giving serious consideration to the product and its impact on the audience. In the case of MomCentral, I fear this may be the case.

It is certainly true that with online writing, the lines between advertising and editorial are gone. As is illustrated by contextual advertising (ie. Adsense), where once there was a firm division between the ad and the ed, we now decide precisely what we advertise based on the page content.

The result? The more niche reporting becomes, the more difficult it becomes to evaluate the credibility, objectivity and even the usefulness of information we find online. Everyone has an opinion--and that opinion is backed by an agenda that becomes more and more hidden.

I have one recommendation, and that is awareness. For more information about how to evaluate what you read on the web, have a look here.

Home Green Home

by Eileen Weber

It’s cool to be green. I admit that’s probably stating the obvious. But for people who want to be green with their own homes, it sometimes gets a little tricky to find the right products.

That’s where The Center for Green Building comes in. Located on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, the storefront sells everything from cotton insulation to no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint to all natural, toxin-free floor varnishes and cleaning supplies.

Run by Erin Buckley and Jonathan Tuminski, the couple started the organization out of their carpentry business. After they had their son, Buckley said, “I started doing research on all the toxins in the materials my husband was using.” The ingredients were pretty scary. That was the catalyst for promoting all natural, organic products.

But it wasn’t that easy to start off. “There wasn’t anything in Connecticut,” said Buckley. “Most of the stuff available was out West.” She also said, now that the store has been established, they have a number of contractors who come from New York, the Hartford area and Rhode Island. “We’re one of the only places in the area. There’s nothing out there.”

Move Over Raggedy Anne

by Tracey Finch

I recently needed to find a doll for my niece.  After searching my local toy store and looking online I came across the Amber and Abbee) dolls from happygreenbee company, founded by entrepreneur Roxanne Quimby's, of Burt's Bees. The floppy organic cotton dolls are dressed in striped clothes that match their young girls' line and can be purchased locally at Nature's Goods in Unionville and at several Whole Foods stores.

happygreenbee has a simple philosophy: clothing that is comfortable, colorful, playful and ecologically responsible. "We created Happy Green Bee so that a child can be a child, first and foremost," Quimby explains. "By using organic cotton, a comfortable and practical fabric, and simple bee-striped patterns, children feel as comfortable as they look while their parents take a small step in making a big difference in the environment their children live in."

Why choose organic cotton?

Fact: 90 million acres of worldwide agricultural lands are devoted to the production of cotton, consuming 25% of all pesticides used on our planet.  Organic cotton is not treated with pesticides and herbicides. 

For more information on the fiber footprint of cotton vs. organic cotton see: www.sustainablecotton.org/footprint_calculator/buyers/

Q&A with Roxanne Quimby

1.) What are your favorite green products? I like eco-friendly lavender scented dishwashing liquid.  Makes dishwashing chores so enjoyable!! 

2.) How has starting happygreenbee changed your life? A lot more traveling!! 

3.) What's your advice for women wanting to start their own eco-friendly business? Well, be prepared for lots of work and keep persisting!!

Are the Green Bags Really Green?

by Eileen Weber

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about reusable bags. Whether it’s at your supermarket chain or an organic market, a growing number of shoppers are toting around these spiffy little bags.

Allie, a reader who commented on the article and has her own “green” web site, had this to say: “I remember about a year or two ago when every grocery store caught up with Stop & Shop and started crowding their front aisles with reusable, polyethylene bags. I was driving home from work on Route 8 and saw one of the tell-tale green bags on the side of the road. I thought, ‘Well, it was only a matter of time before they started clogging the storm drains like their plastic predecessors.’”

She continued by posing a few queries: What is the environmental impact of producing all these new bags? And how safe is polyethylene, for us and the environment? What about the communities where these are being produced?

Excellent questions. What is the impact of disposed reusable bags? And, are they as great as we think they are?

My Cup of (Green Organic) Tea

by Elizabeth G. Howard

I have a real problem with the perennially-peppy, "EVOO"-chugging hypocrite Rachel Ray, which might explain why I have never become a true convert to Dunkin Donuts coffee.

That doesn't mean I don't appreciate DD and their brilliant re-branding strategy that saved them from a deadly one-two punch of healthier eating and viral spread of the Starbucks experience.

However, whether you are clinging to your cup of Joe at the moment, or, like me, huddling around a mug of green tea, there is something about the hot beverage that instills true loyalty and keep us focused and motivated, especially in the mornings.

Bring It!

There's a bit of a problem with these delightful hot (or iced double-half-caf with a twist) drinks, naturally, as they are never going to be local for us Westerners.

Tea is grown primarily in India and China, and coffee beans, my friends, grow around the world like a belt -- at the equator, ideally with temperatures of 60-70F and rainfall of about six inches per month or more.

So, like almost everything green we do, we have to compromise. Here's some options:

READ MORE

Kids Learn About China's Ecosystems

Review By Tracey Finch

Mission: China, the newest edition of Xeko teaches kids about China's ecosystems and
the endangered species that live in them. These are not like baseball trading cards, but
rather an eco-adventure game trading cardgame series that was launched in time for
the Olympic games in Bejing.  

Intended for kids 8 and up, the starter set is $24.99 and booster packs of 9 cards are $3.99.  

The box the cards come is packaged to look like a Pagoda decorated with animals like the 

giant panda chewing bamboo. Xeko is worth checking out, looks like a game 4 young 

teenagers would enjoy and at the same time learn about one of Earth's 34
biodiversity hot spots first identified by Dr. Norman Myers.

Xeko's non-profit beneficiary is Conservation International, who will 

receive 4% of net game sales. This is a game you can feel good about buying!