Reusable Shopping Totes on Black Friday

Hats off to Stride Rite for offering reusable shopping totes in leiu of the traditional plastic shopping bag. Granted, they are not quite as sturdy as the reusable grocery bags but the Stride Rite bags are great for quick trips to the mall.

Green Shopping Tip:
When you are dashing through the mall this holiday season, try to reduce the number of bags that you use. Bring your own shopping totes or consolidate your purchases into one or two larger shopping bags instead of gathering many small bags along the way.

Happy Green Shopping!

Green toy review - plus save 10% at Natural Pod

The kind folks at Natural Pod sent me one of their natural toys to review. Of course, I had to defer to the expert in the house, my son Alex, who has 13 months of experience with this type of very important work.

The Fagus Van is made from natural maple and fits perfectly in Alex's little hands. Its chunky rubber tires roll smoothly over our tile and carpet and they are rugged enough to tackle the great outdoors (aka Alex's sandbox and our backyard). Most importantly, Alex loves to play with the van and I love the fact that it's made from natural wood (no bells, no whistles, no motors...just imagination).

These toys actually remind me of the toys built in Santa's workshop. Are his elves moonlighting at Natural Pod? They have a wonderful assortment of natural toys and games that will stimulate your child's imagination and help them learn.

Natural Pod is offering a 10% discount on your first order. But hurry! This offer expires December 31, 2008. Use the following coupon code for your 10% discount: GCM08

One last tip: the Fagus Van would be an excellent stocking stuffer.

Happy Shopping!

Save 15% on Organic Cotton Decorative Pillows

I just love the way that decorative pillows can change the look of a room. I love it even more when the pillows are vibrant and eco-friendly!

These fabulous pillow covers are made with 100% organic cotton, which has a soft and luxurious sheen. Bold patterns are printed using water-based inks. Plus, the pillow inserts are made from recycled plastic bottles! Have no fear, there is no "crunch" in these pillows. They are super soft and very fluffy.

To celebrate these new arrivals, I'm offering a 15% discount on your entire order* from Radiant Ideas. Simply enter the following coupon code at checkout: WABISABI

But hurry! This discount expires November 30, 2008. Visit Radiant Ideas now and place your order for these gorgeous green decorative pillows. Don't forget to enter your WABISABI coupon for a 15% discount.

* Discount valid from November 7 through November 30, 2008. Discount valid on purchases that total $74.99 and up (before tax and shipping). Discount not valid on furniture purchases.

Ten Green Must-Haves for Obama's New Puppy

As promised during the campaign, Sasha and Malia Obama are finally getting their puppy. This is probably the most exciting news they've received (with their father's presidency probably coming in at a close 2nd). After all, who doesn't LOVE puppies?

In honor of this exciting news, here is a list of ten green must-haves for the presidential pooch before moving into the White House.

1. What dog wouldn't want to sleep in this sustainable dog house? It smells good, grows plants, attracts butterflies, filters water, insulates, and repels fleas. Made with FSC wood, zero-VOC paint, and beeswax waterproofing the only thing this dog house is missing is a green roof. Oh wait, it has that too! Checkout Sustainable Pet for designs and pricing.


2. While lounging in the White House, Fido can relax on an eco-friendly dog bed made from hemp fabric. It's durable, mildew resistant, antibacterial, and antifungal. Plus it's made with earth friendly dyes and eco-friendly stuffing. Prices starting at $120 at PetSquared.



3. DoginHaus has created three lines of doggy shampoos that are formulated using essential oils and herbal extracts to protect against dry skin, fleas, and ticks. We recommend the Urban Dog Shampoo for the Obama pooch. Available for $12 at Muttropolis.


4. To show his patriotism, Fido can strut his stuff in a red, white, and blue plaid leash. Made from eco-friendly fabric and renewable cotton webbing. Priced at $28 at Annie's Sweatshop.


5. Speaking of walks, it's inevitable that someone will have to pickup after the Obama pup. Biodegradable poop bags are the way to go! We use Pooch Pick-Up biodegradeable pet waste bags for our doggie, Jasmine. $6.99 for 100 bags at Petsmart.


6. Throw the dog a bone - an organic squeaker bone, that is. These super soft bone toys are made from organic fabric and all-nautral, unbleached cotton fill. Prices from $8 at Trixie and Peanut.


7. While Obama is working on world peace, Fido can be chewing on the "world's best dog ball". The super tough Orbee Dog Toy bounces, floats, and smells like peppermint. Apparently dogs love that minty scent, the bright colors, and the attached bungee. It rinses clean and is 100% recyclable when the pup grows tired of it. Prices starting at $10 from Muttropolis.


8. Once the Obamas name their pup, they should order a dog tag made from recycled aluminum. They can choose a shape and personalize it with a phrase on the front (1st Dog) and the dog's name and number on the back. Priced at $20 from Tuff Tagz.


9. All dogs have different needs when it comes to dog food so it's best to talk to the experts to determine what is best for your breed of dog. There are so many all-natural options on the market and the folks at Petco could help the Obama family out with their selection.


10. End the day with a decadent K9 Confection. These gourmet dog cookies are made in San Francisco using organic, human grade ingredients. Priced at $15 for a box of 15 treats from Keywest Aloe.


Do you have some green products to share with Obama's puppy? Leave a comment and let us know!

Download an eBook from EcoBrain and Save the Environment

Are you looking for a green book to spur some eco-friendly inspiration? Look no further than eBooks from EcoBrain.com!

This website has hundreds of eBooks about natural health, outdoor activities, green cooking, eco-friendly kids, climate change, and so much more. Browse everything from serious eBooks (like Climate Solutions) to sassy eBooks (like Sex in a Tent).

EcoBrain eBooks are greener than traditional books because they are paper-free books that you download and read on your computer or handheld device. This not only cuts down on paper consumption, but it also boosts energy and fuel conservation efforts. No printing, no binding, no packing, no shipping...just point and click, download, and read. It doesn’t get much easier (or greener) than that.

Prices range from a mere $1 to over $300. Plus every two weeks, EcoBrain features a new eBook that is totally FREE. You can browse by topic, price, or publisher. Or do a search for a more targeted approach. You can read customer book reviews and add your own two cents as well.

I will warn you that the text on this site is rather small but you can bump up the font size by holding the Ctrl key while you press the + key. You can bump it down again with the Ctrl key and the – key.

The only thing this eBookstore is missing is a cyber coffee shop! Nothing like sipping a steamy cup o’ joe while perusing a bookstore. But I guess I can settle for my own home-brewed java.

EcoBrain eBook Giveaway:
Leave a comment and enter to win a FREE copy of Radical Simplicity from EcoBrain and New Society Publishers. Just visit EcoBrain now and browse their selection. Then return to this post and let us know which title strikes your fancy. But hurry! This giveaway ends November 6, 2008 at 11:59 PM (PST). The lucky winner will be announced here and notified via email so be sure to leave your email address in your comment. View our contest rules for more info.

Bloggers
Bloggers can also receive a 2nd entry by promoting the EcoBrain eBook Giveaway on your blog. Just copy and paste the URL of your blog post in the comments section.

Ten tips for decorating green this Halloween

Please forgo the paper and disposable plastic Halloween decorations and invest in spooky decorations that you can use year after year. Or go all-natural!

1. Decorate your home, inside and out, with locally grown pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, and brightly colored fall leaves. These natural decorations will provide a splash of season-appropriate color all the way through Thanksgiving.

2. Make homemade luminaries to light your pathway or place along your windowsills. Save a few tin cans, wash well, fill with water, and put in freezer. Once frozen, you will be able to pound a simple pattern into the can using a hammer and a nail. The ice will keep the can from collapsing as you create your masterpiece. Make simple jack-o-lantern faces, a cat, the moon, or the word “BOO”. When finished carving, remove the ice and dry well. Put some sand, dirt, or rocks in the bottom to weigh down. Place a tea light candle or a glow stick inside. Note: if you use a candle, place your luminaries up and away from your Halloween traffic. Windowsills are the perfect location for these recycled luminaries.

3. What to do with all those glass jars you've been saving? Why not decoupage them with orange tissue paper and add black shapes to create a glass jack-o-lantern? Drop a candle inside and you have a glowing masterpiece. Get creative and decoupage with purple tissue paper and add a white ghost. Use all different shapes and sizes of jars to make your collection interesting. The day after Halloween, you can use your jars to store all that Halloween loot.

4. There are many solar-powered Halloween lights on the market. These are great because you aren’t using energy to light them and you don’t have to worry about extension cords.

5. Make a simple ghost for your yard by putting a bike helmet on a hat stand. Attach a broom or a long stick to form a cross. Drape a white sheet over the hat stand and say “boo”.

6. Create a scarecrow with jeans and a shirt, stuffed with old newspaper, straw, or leaves. Leave it headless for a scary version or add a pumpkin on top with a funny face.

7. Find other home décor items made from natural materials, like our Acorn Baskets made from natural seagrass. These are not only adorable but functional and can be used year-round.

8. Banish the home fragrance sprays and fill your home with the scents of homemade cookies or a fresh-baked pie. Don’t have time? Light a fragrant soy candle with all-natural essential oils. There are several mouth watering holiday scents.

9. Light the path for trick-or-treaters with an orange CFL bulb.

10. Remember to carefully wrap and pack all of your Halloween decorations so you can continue to use them for years to come.

How are you decorating for a green Halloween this year?

Green and Yummy Halloween Treats

I never thought I would say this but, "When I was a kid..." Halloween treats were usually homemade and gobbled up as soon as they were dropped into our Halloween sacks (aka pillowcases). We would bob for apples, snack on popcorn balls, tell scary stories, and play flashlight tag in the dark.

Admittedly, times have since changed and there are some safeguards that we must now take to keep our children safe. But we can still make this a Halloween a little greener with a few easy tips.

Let's face it, kids expect candy but we can deliver on that in a responsible way.

1. Yummy Earth makes truly yummy lollipops that are certified organic. Pomegranate Pucker is my fave. You can find Yummy Earth Lollipops in nearly every grocery store but if you can’t find them near you, they are currently offering free shipping if you buy on their website.

2. Endangered Species Chocolate sells individual milk and dark chocolates wrapped in festive orange and brown wrappers for Halloween. These chocolates are all-natural and ethically traded. Plus, 10% of their net profits are donated to help support species, habitat, and humanity.

3. Panda Licorice is made in Finland with all natural ingredients. We conducted an entirely non-scientific taste test in our home and the former household champion, Twizzler, was beat hands down by Panda Licorice.

4. Newman’s Own Peanut Butter Cups are simply yummy goodness.

5. Don’t want to dispense candy this Halloween? Why not give unexpected goodies like soy crayons, smencils made from recycled newspaper, stickers, or other spooktacular goodies.

Stay tuned for more green Halloween tips over the next few days but in the meantime, let me know what YOUR favorite green Halloween goodies are!

This green backpack is too dog-gone cute

To me, going green is all about making wiser decisions and modifying my shopping behavior. I continually ask myself...do I really need that? If so, I look for a green option when possible.

So when it was time to buy my son a new backpack, I was on a mission to find a super cute eco-friendly bag for the little guy. Alex is turning one tomorrow so I can still make the decisions (or that’s what I’m telling myself at least).

After some online searching, I found this adorable puppy backpack made by EcoGear. It’s made with organically-grown cotton canvas, non-toxic dyes, sustainable wood closure, and recycled plastic components.

The size is perfect for all the "mission critical" stuff he needs to take to daycare everyday like a change of clothes, sippy cup, and a toy. The cotton canvas is sturdy yet has a nice softness to it. I think I can throw it in the washing machine but will have to double check on that when he gets home tonight.

Most importantly, Alex lights up whenever he sees his new puppy bag. And I feel great knowing that it was produced responsibly and isn't releasing toxins into the air.

EcoGear also sells Panda, Pig, and Elephant backpacks in their EcoZoo line. They’re not cheap (came in around $40 after tax and shipping) but I think it was a great investment that should last him a few years.

So the next time you are in the market for that next bag, pair of shoes, cutting board, or whatever...do a quick search online to see if you can find an eco-friendly alternative. You would be amazed at the options that are at our fingertips!

Book Giveaway: The Better World Shopping Guide

The average American family spends around $18,000 each year on goods and services. Think of it as casting 18,000 votes every year for the kind of world you want to live in. The question is, how do we know what company to "vote" for?

"The Better World Shopping Guide" is your handy guide to determining which brands to buy and which to avoid. For example, I think we all know that Ben & Jerry's is an obvious choice in natural ice cream and they (naturally) scored an A+ in the Shopping Guide. But would you have guessed that Dreyer's and Haagen Daaz both received an F in the Shopping Guide?

One of my new fave blogs, GreenYourDecor.com, is sponsoring a book giveaway. Check out GreenYourDecor and enter to win "The Better World Shopping Guide" today. Or if you're just dying to get your hands on a copy now, visit BetterWorldShopper to buy a copy for yourself.

Greening Your Back-to-School Supplies

It’s back to school time and this is a perfect opportunity to make a small change in our purchasing behaviors. By doing a little research, you can find some great school supplies that are eco-friendly and surprisingly fun.

Kids will roar for lunches packed in these adorable reusable lunch bags.

Smencils are pencils made from recycled newspaper and come in mouthwatering scents like watermelon and pineapple.

Who wouldn’t want to take notes in these oh-so-cute notebooks, made from 100% recycled paper and printed with vegetable inks.

The connected kids can charge their iPods or cell phones using this solar powered backpack from Helius.

Shop for eco-friendly supplies such as Post-Its, paper, folders, pens, and more in Staples’ Eco-Easy aisle. That was easy.

Finally Switched to Reusable Bags

Okay, I am the first to admit that I am behind the times! I know as an environmentally concerned citizen that I should have been wielding my reusable totes YEARS ago. I wanted to, I really did! But to be honest, I was just too lazy.

Since we're on the quest to make small changes in our lives to be more eco-friendly, my husband and I decided to finally take the plunge and get some reusable bags. We proudly purchased five reusable totes last week at our local grocery store. On our first return trip to the store, we totally forgot to bring the bags with us. DOH!

Now the bags stay in the car and we use them whenever we can. It may take some time to get this down but old dogs CAN learn new tricks.

Tips to Green Your Next BBQ

Green Grill:
Gas is the most resource-efficient means of powering a grill and the least polluting. Gas barbecues produce about half as much CO2 as charcoal grills, and about 1/3 as much as electric grills. If you are a die-hard charcoal enthusiast, there are green options for you as well! Coconut Shell Briquette Charcoal is all natural and 100% chemical free.

Smart Food:
Your local farmer’s market is a great resource for local fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. If you are serving fish, the Sierra Club recommends wild-caught Alaskan or Canadian salmon and farmed U.S. catfish as sustainable choices. Organic meat is always a good choice if you can afford it.

Natural Drinks:
We used to always offer a tub full of bottled water on ice so our guests would stay hydrated in the heat (especially when serving alcohol). I’ve discovered the error of my ways and now serve up iced water in a glass jug filled with lemons, limes, or even refreshing cucumber slices. Looking for locally brewed beer? Check out BeerTown to find a craft brewer near you. If vino is more your speed, Chartrand Imports offers a list of sites that sell organic wine by state.

Savvy Serving:
Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels or paper napkins. You can find them on sale and you can use them over and over again. Use reusable or compostable plates, cups and silverware to minimize waste. There are some wonderful serving dishes made from sustainable resources or recycled materials. Check out these bamboo bowls and recycled glass platters.

Eco Cleanup:
Don’t dump the half-empty glasses of water down the drain! Pour them all into a bucket and use that water to refresh your potted plants, yard, or indoor plants. It goes without saying that all cans and bottles should be recycled. Leftover vegetables can go into your compost pile or you can send plates of leftovers home with your guests.

Green Submission Guide

Do you have an eco-friendly product that you would like me to review? Fabulous! I love to try new products. All submissions will be reviewed to make sure they match the editorial focus of Radiant Ideas.

1. Send an email to reviews(at)radiantideas(dot)net with your pitch. What is your product? Why will I love it? How is it good for the environment, good for the world, or good for me? How much does it cost? Where can my readers find it?

2. If I think your product is a good fit with my blog, I will contact you with my shipping information so you can send me a sample. Submission does not guarantee a recommendation.

3. I will make every effort to write a timely review after using your product but I cannot be held to a specific deadline.

4. Please note that all product reviews are impartial and honest. Please be sure that your product is as wonderful and as green as you say it is.

5. Regretfully, products cannot be returned. I do understand that there are certain circumstances where a product must be returned. In this case, it is your responsibility to arrange and pay for return shipping.

Thanks for keeping Radiant Ideas in the loop!