Eco Christmas Videos!

All the videos in this post somehow relate to both Christmas and being eco-friendly. I hope you enjoy the collection!

View my post on green Christmas wrapping. (I have added in a photo of a few presents my family has wrapped this year).

I hope you enjoyed these videos; if you have your own tips for a green/organic Christmas, I'd love to hear them!

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Gift Ideas: For the cell phone addict or techie in your life

We all have someone in our life who can't seem to exist without their cellphone or always has some form of technology on them. This gift idea is an eco-friendly option for anyone who owns an iphone or ipad.

Currently they only offer products for the apple family, but I can hope that will change in the future.

Their cases show ingenuity and a care for the environment that I can't help but approve of. My personal favorite is the shell for the ipad2; though it won't be available in time for Christmas (2011), it is a remarkable product that demonstrates a great deal of creativity and thought.


The iPad Shell:

They must have achieved their goal (see video), as the case will begin shipping on January 20th. (2012)

The iPhone Case:


(They will ship internationally.) 


Check out TRTLBOT and learn more about their products.

Thanks for tuning in and have a fabulous weekend!

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Gift Ideas: For the Golfer on Your List

If you're shopping for Christmas presents we're getting into crunch time here! Because of this Christmas is going to be my main focus for the next little while, I hope you don't mind!

The gift idea today is for that golfer on your list!

Eco-friendly (made from 100% recycled materials) and High Performance Golf Balls.

I don't know anything at all about the world of golf, or golf balls, aside from the fact that most contain some rather nasty ingredients. However, these balls sound positively perfect. I'll let you decide, you can read their write-up below:

"Dixon Golf has created the world's first high performance eco friendly golf balls. Unlike some golf ball brands that use harsh heavy metal pollutants like tungsten, cobalt, lead or contain non-renewable synthetic materials and compounds, all eco friendly golf balls manufactured by Dixon Golf are "green" to the core. They are 100% recyclable and made from re-processable materials. Even the packaging is made from 100% recycled material.

• High performance with three models from which to choose
• Wind: proven distance in long drive competitions
• Earth: top performance in distance and feel
• Fire: tour pro level performance for touch and shot shaping
• Made from re-processable materials
• 100% recyclable with a recycling program to back it up
• 100% recycled packaging

From core to cover, from packaging to production, Dixon Golf is setting a new standard in environmental consciousness.

Determine which model of these 100% High Performance, Eco Friendly golf balls is for you. Or try all three to see what works best with your game.

The Dixon Wind golf ball is the ball of choice for long drive hitters. It has been endorsed by Krank Golf, maker of tournament winning drivers specifically for long drive competitions.

The Dixon Wind golf ball gives you more distance:

• Extreme Distance ball with 428 Monster™ dimple pattern for ultimate distance and accuracy.
• Resilient Eco-cover™ provides maximum durability and spin control.
• Densified precast green core™ generates extra recoil for even greater distance.

Krank Golf endorses the Dixon Wind as the longest ball in golf. Krank Golf, makers of the longest drivers in golf, has named the Dixon Wind ball as their official ball. Krank has tested the Wind ball against many other brands, and it has proven to be the longest ball they’ve ever tested, making the pairing an obvious choice.

"At Krank Golf our main focus is developing the longest and straightest hitting golf drivers in the World. With five Re/Max World Long Drive Championships under our belt, we are very particular on the golf ball we use for testing our drivers. We only use Dixon Golf balls during testing for a number of very important reasons. The Dixon Wind golf balls are the most consistent, durable and highest ball speed golf balls we have ever tested," Krank President Lance Reader said of the partnership with Dixon Golf.

The Dixon Earth golf ball gives you High Performance for distance and feel:

• 392 tour proven dimple pattern for maximum control and distance.
• Thin eco-cover provides exceptional feel and increased durability.
• Improved high velocity green core™ for added distance.
• 92% approval rating from PGA Tour Partners

The Dixon Earth golf ball is the Official ball of the E-golf Professional and Amateur Tours

"I love the game of golf and want to do my part to educate golfers how to be more environmentally responsible, even when it comes to the golf balls we use. I have been playing the Dixon Earth ball for a while and love the fact that not only is it eco-friendly, but it is a high-performance golf ball as well. I golf as often as I can and feel that the Dixon Earth ball fits my game as well as any ball out there. It is refreshing to be associated with a company that shares my love of golf and the environment." - Don Cheadle, Actor, Producer and Philanthropist

"For years I played the Titleist NXT® and NXT® Tour before moving over to the Bridgestone e6, but now, even if I find one of those hiding in the rough, I'll hand it to my playing partner because it's Dixon Earth for me or go home. They fly far, land softly and roll true." - Fred Greene, Host, Golf Smarter

The Dixon Fire golf ball is the Pro Performance ball. The Fire was built for the professional golfer who demands the best:

• Pro-Performance
• 318 tour-precision dimple pattern
• Elastodynamic™ recyclable cast urethane cover
• Energy intensifying mantle for maximum power
• High-intensity green core with ignite technology™

"As soon as I was introduced to the Dixon golf ball, I was immediately impressed. The idea that a golf ball could be eco-friendly blew me away. When I played the Fire ball, I was sold. It is truly an impressive golf ball. Their recycling program is just the icing on the cake." - Kevin Sorbo, Actor, Director, Producer and Philanthropist

One way to think of these golf balls is the following (or you can simply get some of each and experiment to see what works best with your own game):

• The Fire golf ball is good for a low handicap, up to around 5, in that it has low spin however if hit very accurately it provides excellent performance and control.
• The Earth golf ball is good for a handicap of above around 5 and up to around 12 to 20 and provides excellent balance between distance and feel.
• The Wind golf ball is excellent for a handicap of above around 15 to 20 and provides great distance off the tee and good control.

Packaging:
Even the packaging is made from 100% recycled material. From core to cover, from packaging to production, Dixon Golf is setting a new standard in environmental consciousness. Packaged in 4 sleeves with 3 golf balls per sleeve.

Dixon Golf balls are made to be recycled and turned into other products . They even have a recycling program:
$1.00 credit for each Dixon brand golf ball returned through their recycling program."

Holy jeepers. You can even have them imprinted with your brand/logo, etc... 

Who wouldn't want balls like that???

If you go CHECK THEM OUT. Don't be like me and assume that the first price you see is for ONE ball. It's not! They have several different kinds, with different prices; if you're a golfer you should check them out and let me know your opinion! (And yes, the company that sells them ships to Canada.)

-> Eco-friendly Golf Balls

Thanks for tuning in!

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Gift Ideas: Toys for the New Baby

Little munchkins are even more susceptible to the harmful chemicals that can be found in non organic materials than we grown ups are! It makes sense then to choose only the best quality for our youngsters.

I've found several great toy ideas whether for your own bundle of joy or for a gift!


"Adorable, soft baby rattles made from 100% Certified Organic cotton fabric and stuffing are darling toy choices for the eco baby in your life. Created with monkey, elephant and frog animal faces, your boy or girl will be giggling in no time from the smiling characters and bright, safe colors. Plush and snuggly, these eco-friendly baby rattles are chemical and pesticide free for a healthy family and home."


Find out more

"Bunnies, dogs and bears, oh my! These adorable, stuffed animal toy rattles in Certified Organic cotton fabric and stuffing feature pure silk tags around the body to keep little hands busy and entertained. Eco-friendly Taggies™ stuffed toys are designed to mesmerize babies and children with the crinkly wonder of soft silk. 

In timeless prints and patterns, these baby toys are ideal for families with any chemical sensitivities or allergies, since Organic fibers are naturally toxin free."

Find out more

"Cuddly and sweet with a gentle face, this precious orange monkey is made from 100% pure, Certified Organic cotton fabric and stuffing, making it a fabulous stuffed toy for boys and girls. Swirly stitching on the belly is eye-catching, keeping a baby or toddler in wonder of the creative design. Eco-conscious Organic fibers ensure the safest quality toy for your child and a healthier planet free of pesticides and harsh chemicals for everyone."

Find out more

"A fun stuffed frog sits atop this versatile children’s blanket for boys and girls, made from 100% pure, Certified Organic cotton fabric and stuffing. Bright, colorful patches are sewn together with creative contrast stitching for a look baby’s will surely find exciting. Surround your child in the eco-friendly, safe fibers of this stuffed animal blanket, a wonderful toy duo with a sustainable, natural design."

Find out more

"Floppy patterned ears and crinkly soft, pure silk tags add charm and wonder to this adorable stuffed puppy toy, made from Certified Organic cotton fabric and stuffing. Soft and gender neutral, this cream-colored Taggies™ stuffed animal is a sure choice for keeping children and babies busy!

Eco-friendly toy alternatives are safer for your baby’s wellbeing. Gain peace of mind knowing Organically grown fibers are herbicide and pesticide free, leaving those toxins out of our natural resources and away from your child’s sensitive skin."

Find out more

Let me know what you think of my choices by leaving a comment!

And don't forget -- if you're looking for something for a special someone, I'm happy to help. Let me know a few things about them and I will try to feature an organic/eco-friendly gift that suits them!

As always, any products I mention can be shipped to Canada.

See you Friday!

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Product of the Week: Reusable Lunch Containers

Good Morning and Happy Halloween!

The product of the week should perhaps be Halloween themed, but I've just stumbled across this one, so I must share it with you!

This is a great idea, for families especially, though it would work for pretty much anyone.

I doubt I really need to go into detail about why reusable lunch containers are a good idea -- it fits into the 'reduce' category. Reduce the amount of waste that goes into a landfill, and reduce your expenses at the same time.

"Chic and versatile, furoshiki is the original eco lunchbag from Japan. If you can tie two knots, you can transform our Furoshiki ECOlunchwrap into a stylish lunchbag!

The ancient Japanese tradition of knotting, folding and twisting, dating back to the 17th century, is newly chic as the dangers of plastic to our health and the environment have become widely known.

Double-sided and machine washable, our cotton furoshiki (pronounced f-ROHSH-kee) wrap is sewn from colorful fair trade textiles hand printed by artisans using wooden blocks and wax batik techniques perfected over generations. Whether you are packing food at home, picking up take-out or just need a versatile bag, our wraps make it easy to say goodbye to plastic bags, vinyl totes and other leachy food containers. 

Plastic-free, BPA-free and waste-free, our furoshiki wraps are yummy and yuck-free for people of all ages plus our planet. Measure 24 x 24 inches"

As an added bonus for you: "20% OFF Furoshiki ECOlunchwraps for all of your holiday gifts! 

Use coupon code greenwrap20 at checkout, expires 11/30/2011."

This company also sells a variety of reusable lunch containers, eco-friendly utensils and several other styles of lunch kits.

Visit their website:

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Gift Ideas: For Imaginative Kids (2+)

I had a gazillion different choices when it came to what gifts I wanted to feature today: As such I feel that it is only fair to point out that there will be a LOT more posts coming.

This one here is for the munchkins - the younger ones. My thinking was somewhere from 3-5 years, though since I don't have kids of my own, feel free to contest that one!

The first set of ideas are recycled, collapsible, and easily transportable playhouses. Some come white, blue and others with an outdoor print for the more 'manly' boys.

"Imagine a pirate hideout, a princess castle, or superhero headquarters!
MobileHome is a house with 8 secret rooms, spy holes and an attic for storage.  The first portable lightweight playhouse.
Decorate it, grab it by the handle and go! MobileHome goes to the playground, on vacation and anywhere the fun does!
Assembles easily, stores flat in its box.  Available in Blue or White.  Also see the MobileHome Nature.
Size in inches: 14l x 9w x 18h
Ages 3+
All Kidsonroof products:

• are made in Holland
• are made from sturdy recycled materials
• are biodegradable
• are designed to naturally stimulate creativity and play
• come with simple instructions
• are easy to put together and take apart--no glue or screws needed
• are sturdy, stable and safe
• come in flat, reusable boxes for easy storage
• are designed and tested to comply with all applicable ASTM and CPSIA safety requirements
• need to be kept away from flame and heat sources"

The second item comes from the same company and is essentially the same thing. Except it's big enough for little kids to crawl inside!


"Watch kids' creativity unfold with this fun, DIY cardboard playhouse: paint it, decorate it, create it, play in it!
Casa White is plain white, Casa Print features additional animals and a tree printed on the outside to spark imagination:  a cat on a branch, a hare, dog and squirrel can join the fun!

With seven windows, peep holes and a door, Casa is a tree house, a safe haven, a secret clubhouse.

Sturdy, quick and easy to assemble.  Played enough?  It folds down flat in its box for easy storage.

Size in inches: 27l x 27w x 41h
Ages 2+"


Now of course, take note of the size of this playhouse -- it's definitely not big enough for older kids!

When I came across these I thought they might be a fun project to do with the munchkins and then of course, leave them to their imaginings once they are all set up, painted, decorated, etc...

Click on any of the images to find out more. The website I found these on has many more interesting gift ideas, and I'll be hauling them out to show you over the next few weeks.

What do you think of this one?