ecosystem is a newer line of earth friendly planners and journals (or books as they call them) that are easily personalized. Ecosystem was further designed to empower environmentally aware product owners. Each book has a unique book ID number, which you can use to track a book’s origins, learn how they are environmentally-friendly, and to find out exactly how to recycle each book.

How it works:

You head to ecosystem and choose a book type – ecosystem Advisor, ecosystem Architect, ecosystem Artist, or ecosystem Author.
You choose a cover style.
You choose a size.
You choose the color. Current colors available include the ones shown …read more

Yesterday I posted some eco-lunch kit choices and said that my son Cedar was going to have to choose one. Then I said I’d be back with the results. I had an idea about which he’d choose, but instead, like a typical kid, he decided to TOTALLY surprise me.
I showed him all the choices, and he looked them up and down, and sideways, and made me read him the stats about them. He’s eight, and he’s saying, “So what does that bag measure?” For pete’s sake. Anyhow, his decision…
You won’t believe it:

He says, “I think I’ll just stick with the …read more

Cloth napkins are one of my favorite green tips for green newbies. They’re easy to start using, cut consumption, and save trees. Plus for a family they’re very cost affective. Then today I saw that posted the following:Treehugger
Are Paper Napkins More Environmentally Friendly?

This piece notes that the footprint may be smaller if a big business (think restaurant) uses paper. They’ve got calculations to back it up. While they do err on the side of cloth still being better for home use, they got their calculations by factoring in typical cotton napkins not organics or other fabrics (although they do …read more

Because the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads Giveaway was extremely successful, and because we had so many amazing comments, Annie Rose, maker of Moonpads, wanted to offer up a little something extra for all the contestants who didn’t win.
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The deal:
FREE SHIPPING on Moonpads now through March 15th, 2009.
How to snag this deal:
Type in code “thf” in the notes section when you place your order and Annie Rose will send you a refund for shipping via PayPal.
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VERY cool! This makes right now an extra great time for you to try Moonpads.
Head over to Annie Rose’s official Moonpad shop and grab some …read more

Before I give away the winners of the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads Giveaway let’s look at a few pros of reusable pads.

They don’t carry the cons of conventional products.
In your life you’ll go through just how many pads and tampons. Tossing all those in the trash is such a huge shock to the planet. in your life.
Reusable pads save you time. No running to the store at the last minute – or even each month.
Need a $ shock about non-reusable pads: Disposable Pad or Tampon Cost Pad Calculator. You’ll save BIG bucks going with reusable pads.

Good reusable pads last …read more

I’m as much on board with composting as the next eco-gal; but seriously, I can’t decide if this video will convince people to compost or just totally freak them out. This is one of those things you keep watching even though your brain is telling you, “Look away!” In any case; enjoy.

If you need something less scary read: Build your own compost bin.

Right now we’re a few days into the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads Giveaway. Let’s take a closer look at the prize.

Moonpads is an Etsy shop run by Annie Rose Shapero. Annie has been making her Moonpads since 2003 and they’re carried both at her own web shop and in stores across the country.
Facts about Moonpads:
Moonpads come in four sizes – a pantyliner, a regular absorbency, extra absorbent, and a long pad.
AN ORGANIC DEAL: The pads come in 100% organic cotton but just because they’re organic, you won’t pay more. Annie notes,
“All the pads in my Etsy shop are currently …read more

Don’t you think it’s time you tried something new? Like reusable menstrual pads? It’s a bright new year, and that means a new chance to make a positive impact on the planet. Reusable menstrual pads are one major option you can choose that help to create a more sustainable earth. BUT I get that it’s a big leap for some of you. That’s why I was thrilled when Annie Rose of Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads got in touch with me, chatted, and agreed to a nice little giveaway here at Tree Hugging Family.
What you can win:
Two lucky winners will …read more

I’ve been wanting to do a post on better looking recycling bins for a while now. However, there’s not much coolness out there in the recycling bin market. There’s some decent recycling bins, but nothing that was making me drool. However, I got lucky this last week, and found some really nice and stylish bins for the home.
Why bother with nice looking recycling bins?:
You can use anything for a recycling bin – an old box, an ugly bin from your local recycling company, even just a bag on the floor. However, it’s worth the money in my opinion to …read more

To be honest, I’m perfectly content with my trusty old Klean Kanteen Water Bottle – it’s not fancy, but it works and I’m not using and tossing lots of lame platic bottles into the trash. That said, every once in a while I really wish I had a pretty little bottle. One that would be a nice conversation starter; one that gets long looks, one that makes me swoon.
Is it possible to swoon over a water bottle? Um YES. Is it necessary? That’s up for debate. Probably not, but if you’re looking, or just want to indulge in a second …read more