How it works:

1. You head to ecosystem and choose a book type – ecosystem Advisor, ecosystem Architect, ecosystem Artist, or ecosystem Author.
2. You choose a cover style.
3. You choose a size.
4. You choose the color. Current colors available include the ones shown below.
5. You customize your book with a variety of insets from calendars to grids to lists and more.
6. You get to see a picture of the finished product and if it’s perfect you purchase it.

All ecosystem books are made with 100% post consumer waste paper and the following environmental savings are achieved by ecosystem products.

ecosystem is great option if you like to create your own perfect planner or journal.

[images via ecosystem]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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 Bamboo Bag.” WHAT! Just to clarify, a week ago when his lunch bag broke, all we had around was that Bamboo Lunch Sack I recently reviewed, so I had to pack his lunch in that. Here’s Cedar a week ago:

• “Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!” Don’t make me take it to camp! It’s not coooooooooooooooooooooool!“
• “I don’t like Bamboo – even if it is a tree!” I know it’s not a tree, but he’s 8, so…
• “Why is it so green!? I want a blue lunch bag.“

But all of a sudden last night he’s on the Bamboo Lunch Sack train? Huh? I say, “You said you hated it, you said, find me a better one, what the flip is up?” To which he replies, “I’ve decided I like Bamboo. It’s soft and you can’t have it back.” Well then!

I don’t know why I bother sometimes. In any case, I don’t have to buy a new bag right away, although, as previously mentioned, this bag is not ice pack friendly so I likely will buy the non-toxic ice pak and sweat free cover I mentioned yesterday.

Kids right?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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 mention other fabric choices).

I like the piece but in my opinion they did not comment enough about the huge long life span of cloth napkins in the home. Treehugger factored in a year of washing for cloth napkins in the home, but something to consider is that cloth napkins last a lot longer than one year. So when factoring in the energy and materials used to make cloth napkins you also need to note that they’ll last for many years around the house.

You should also factor in alternative fabrics. You can buy organic cotton, flax, hemp, and other napkins vs. conventional cotton. As for the use factor, all of the cloth napkins I’ve ever owned last for about 4-5 years – although by year 4 they are getting a little blah. Once a napkin is too icky to use as a napkin, I switch it over to a cleaning cloth, where I’ll use it until it dies. This means you get super life out of a napkin and get to use cloth not paper towels to clean with which saves even more resources.

Overall they are saying that cloth is best in the home though, and obviously I agree. Read more about cloth napkins here:

• How cloth napkins save you money
• Benefits of cloth napkins
• Make Easy, No-Sew Cloth Napkins in Five Minutes

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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.

———————————————————————————————————–

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 Moonpads with free shipping. Plenty of cute designs are available.

[image via Moonpads]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

• 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 forever. As I’ve noted here before, in eight some odd years I’ve bought new exactly twice, and only twice because I bought two different kinds. That’s a huge monetary savings.

Here are some non-disposable options:

• Moonpads
• Glad Rags
• The Keeper
• Luna Pads
• The Diva Cup
• Make-It-Yourself Menstrual Pads
• Pleasure Puss Menstrual Pads – Singles
  
• Sckoon Organic Cotton Cloth Reusable Menstrual / Postpartum Pads

You can also find plenty of other reusable options on Etsy – just do a search for reusable pads.

If you’ve got any other pros of reusable pads, let me know in the comments. Next up winners of the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads Giveaway.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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 organic. I have made conventional cotton pads before, and I do sell conventional cotton ones to a few retail stores, but most stores choose to go with the all organic because a) why not? it’s better for the planet! and b) I don’t “upsell” organic- i charge what it literally costs me to buy organic cotton and dye it. When you factor in the percentage that stores mark up, this makes them about $0.70 more than conventional. To me, it’s utterly immoral to charge a “luxury upsell” just because a product is organic.

HOW THEY’RE MADE: Moonpads are made with organic cotton that is grown in the USA and milled in the USA by union workers. Annie hand dyes the fabric herself, and notes, “I use procion dyes. this is the safest dye i could find- it’s recommended for baby clothing and for the chemically sensitive. It creates a chemical bond with the fabric, so there are no chemical residues to get into your body. This also makes it very colorfast.”

My review will be later this week, but just to note, these pads are super thin, which is a nice design characteristic. As I’ve noted before, some reusable pads are so thick they seem like a diaper, and none of us want that (well, unless just postpartum). These pads stay closed with a snap – some are basic snaps and some are very pretty little colored snaps (see below).

PRICE: Moonpads vary in price from about $6.50 to $7.75 and whole sets are available as well. Additionally, Annie offers seconds (when available) which is a great way to score a deal.

STYLE & DESIGN: The best thing about Moonpads are all the many styles they come in. Many styles are offered in all sorts of cool designs. Visit Moonpads to see them all.

HOW THEY WORK: Moonpads can be used like any other menstrual pads. You simply wrap them round your undies, snap, and go. There are two washing options; rinse, dry, and wash OR soak and wash. Instructions for both washing methods are easy and are included on a brochure that arrives with your pads.

Here’s a visual tour:

Top view…

Bottom view…

Later I’ll post a review of these pads, and some reasons why you might want to switch to reusable pads vs. disposables. If you want to learn more asap, visit the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads website.

If you’d like to win your own Moonpads enter the Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads Giveaway.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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 receive a wonderful starter gift pack from Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads. Each of our winners will get to choose her choice of 3 reusable pads in any style or color available. Owner Annie makes the following pads to choose from – a pantyliner, a regular absorbency, extra absorbent, and a long pad. The pads come in 100% organic cotton and are super pretty.

Why enter:

1. Reusable pads are a huge step and since we’ve talked about this here before I know that some of you are totally icked out at the thought of reusable pads. Here’s the deal. You can think one thing, but until you try it, why knock it. There are amazing benefits to reusable pads and this company in particular is very eco-cool.
2. If you’re that girl considering reusable pads, but you’re just not sure if you want to take that leap, now is your chance to test drive some reusable pads – risk free.

Contest duration:

Now through February 15th 2009, midnight, my time (west coast time).

Who can enter:

If you’re not me, aka Jennifer who writes this blog, you can enter.

How to enter:

1. Please visit our sponsor’s website: Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads – take a peek and see what Moonpads offers.
2. Come back here.
3. Leave a comment in this post’s comment area – TELL ME: Why you are interested in trying reusable Moonpads.

That’s it. The rules are simple. I just want to know why reusable pads are something you’re considering or how they already fit into your life. A comment like this, “HEY I want to win.” tells me nothing, frankly is pretty lame, and I’ll delete it.

Rules if you win:

On Feb 16th I’ll post two winners. I’ll email you for your mailing information. If you don’t email me with your information within five days, I’ll award this super cool prize to an alternate winner. Why? Well, I’ve had some issue with people emailing me back for contests. If you don’t want to give me your address please don’t waste my time by entering. I do need an address or we can’t get a prize to you, it’s that simple.

Good luck!

Stay tuned because I’ll be doing a company and product review of Moonpads later this week and we’ll be looking at the benefits of reusable pads over disposables.

[all images via Moonpads Reusable Menstrual Pads]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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 find some attractive bins. If you have attractive bins you can keep them out in public. Recycling bins that are tucked away in your garage or on the porch are far less likely to be used to their maximum potential. Families who work recycling into their home decor scheme are just more likely to recycle. These bins may cost more in the short run, but in the long run they’ll last and last, and you’ll feel really happy using them.

PLUS you may be able to convert non-recycling friends once they see your pretty bins. I think that the bulk of icky looking recycling bins give recycling a bad name. This year, if you can, pick up a more attractive system. Ideas below.

The best recycling bins for your home:

Simplehuman is my new obsession, mainly because they’re rocking the recycling bin market. Seriously they have some of the best looking bins I’ve ever seen. Like this fingerprint-proof rectangular recycler below. If you lined two of these up, you’d have enough space for recycling categories and trash.


Other recycling bin goodies from Superhuman include the ultra hip and modern front load recycler bins and the pullout recycler- good for if you’re short on space (these work under the counter).

From OXO are these cool Good Grips bins – really they’re garbage bins, but they come in 8-10 gal sizes, and are so fresh and retro you just have to love them. I think these would make great recycling bins. The yellow is my fave.

45 Litre 3 Compartment Stainless Steel Recycle Bin from Trashcans Unlimited.

Witt Industries Metal 24 Gallon Geocube 24GC0 Recycling Waste Receptacle – meant for commercial use, but since they come in singles and you choose the decal and color, these could easily be adpated to home use. I like the whole mod cube look going on with these. Also from Trashcans Unlimited.

Lastly from Trashcans Unlimited, some neat Wood Solid Pine Trash Bins – different and kind of cool if you’ve got the right decor.

Recycling Bags – Set of 4 – these used to be one of my favorite sets. I like the stainless steel look better right now, but these are less expensive and still not bad to look at if you want a bag option. From Design Within Reach.

If you’re looking for a fun vs. pretty bin, check out how bored people and or soccer players recycle. If you’re looking for info on how to recycle better and limit your trash read the Weekly Green Home Audit Round-Up: Trash Control.

Which bins are your favorite? I really adore those little retro numbers.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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 water bottle, here are some that beat out the plain old silver toned fare. Oh, and just so I don’t have to repeat myself, all the bottles I’ve brought here are recyclable and eco-friendly.

Green Bird Water Bottle

ANY bottle, and I do mean ANY bottle from Earth Lust. We could talk all day about their designs. Many sizes too.

A little Sigg water bottle treat – SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Pottery Barn Butterfly Bottle

Purple Rainbow or Stainless Swirl Filtered from EcoUsable AND yes, I know the second one is a stainless steel bottle, which I said we were avoiding, but come on, it’s all pretty with swirls!

Red Koi Fish, Earth Meets Sky, and Tree of Life; all are Gaiam bottles from Tennis Company.

Which bottles do you like?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family