Do you have an eco-junkie to buy for this year?  

Know someone who doesn’t like stuff?  

Looking for something non-toxic to get a special child?  

Here are my top eco-holiday quick picks – with something special for everyone on your list.  

1. Itsabelly Guide to Going Green With Baby - By Melissa Moog & Jennifer Lo Prete  

2.  aden + anais Organic Muslin Swaddlers – Lil’s blankie of choice is now available in even more varieties and colors. 

3.  Global Green Pals - These eco-friendly dolls will become your child’s new best friend.  

4.  Piggy Paint – Project Earth - Safe nail polish for that tween in your life – now is Glow in the Dark too!  Use coupon code ECO10L to save 10% on anything at Piggy Paint through December 31, 2010.

5.  One Life Jewelry - A personal favorite homemade from a friend down the street from me whom I don’t talk to enough. XOXO! 

6.  Recycled Koby Jewelry - Made special for TerraCycle from 100% recycled silver by Canadian jeweler, Arthur Koby.  

7.  Blue Line PowerCost Monitor for Microsoft hohm -  Find out how much energy your home is using right now!     

Who’s your eco-junkie and what will you be getting for them? 

Disclosure:  All items featured in this gift guide have been personally reviewed by me and were provided to me by the companies.  I’m still trying to configure our PowerCost monitor and will follow up with you on our personal experience with that system soon.     

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Yes – that’s right – I’m going to talk about our menstrual cycles and the environment!  Inappropriate – who the hell cares – it’s my time of the month and I’m allowed to talk about anything I want!

(Sipping my glass of wine)

Ahhhh – so much better!  I decided that since it was that time of the month I would take this opportunity to talk about the health and environmental concerns of using disposable feminine products.  I’m really the LAST person to talk to you about this though – because I’m still using disposables!  That’s right – The Eco Chicstill uses PLASTIC TAMPONS and occasionally a few pads!  Don’t be hating, after-all it’s my time of the month and I just may come hunt you down!  And do what?  Probably pour you a glass of wine too because misery loves company.  Anyways – back on the topic at hand.  

The Facts:  Just like disposable diapers, disposable feminine products like pads and tampons are not healthy for us.  Pads contain SAP very similar to what is found in disposable diapers.  We don’t want those chemicals next to our babies then why do we want them next to our most precious part of our body?  And why on (Mother) earth are we stuffing tampons made of BLEACHED wood pump and rayon INSIDE of our bodies?  It’s no wonder that so many women in America are faced with cervical cancer and other conditions.  As if the health concerns aren’t bad enough – Americans trash 20 BILLION of these things EACH YEAR into our landfills.  Have you ever been to a landfill or a waste water treatment facility?  Tampons alone (which claim to be biodegradable and flushable) end up clogged in the screens and filters at the waste water facilities - and surprisingly to most they eventually end up in the landfill anyways.  Finally, think about all the money we’re literally FLUSHING down the toilet each month.

WHY?  Because that’s what our parents told us to do.  Just like disposable diapers – our parents generation were among the first to use these disposable products and they considered them a convenient alternative.  It’s certainly easier to flush your waste away and never worry about it again.  Store shelves are full of different options – junior, regular, heavy flow, SUPER, compact, wings – HOLY MENSES – how did this become so complicated!  We’re now even seeing some without applicators and unbleached to make us feel even better about sticking stuff in our VAJAYJAYs. 

The Alternative:  YES – we have another choice!  Just like cloth diapers – we go old school!  Thanks to companies like Luna Pads and Diva Cups (and many others) we have reusable alternatives for pads and tampons.  I had the pleasure of giving Luna Pads a try (kinda) recently and think I’m ready to buy a few more (mostly for the overflow events that can wreck even your darkest pair of jeans).  Now I only have one at the moment (the pantyliner) but they are available in conventionally grown and organic cotton varieties.  They come in really edgy and fun prints and patterns that can make anyone a little more cheery during those grumpy days.  They even come in a hybrid variety for an even more absorbent option.  Each Luna Pad is held in place by a snap on the wings that wrap around your panties. 

Want to go one step further?  How about the Lunapanties – with built in panels for holding your Luna Pads.  The panties are available in all the hip modern cuts too – even a thong! 

The EXTREME:  If the thought of washing these reusable products grosses you out then maybe the Diva Cup is right for you.  The Diva Cup is made of a soft silicone (all FDA approved, latex-free, BPA-free, and plastic free).  And if inserted properly (yes – it goes IN there just like a tampon – or so they say) should last for up to 12 hours before it needs to be emptied.  I have to admit that this option is the most appealing to me because there are no extra loads of laundry to do. 

So why haven’t I made the switch yet?  Probably because it’s not the norm – not yet at least.  I don’t know anyone who has used them personally.  When talking to my spouse about the options he gets grossed out.  Again our society has made reusable options seem so disgusting that we’re afraid to try them.  And for most of us - you can’t find them filling up the shelves at the local drug store as a viable option.  BUT – that’s about to change!  I pledge to you – my readers – and my friends – to DITCH THE DISPOSABLES!  It’s too late for me to change this month but I’m going to go (right now) and order my very own Diva Cup and Luna Pads for next month.  I’m going to have my arsenal ready to go by this time next month.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS and PLEASE – ASK ME ABOUT IT! 

And please – join me in a glass of wine in hopes that I don’t bite the head off my husband as he sleeps tonight because he doesn’t understand the mood swings that accompany our monthly treat!

How do you manage that time of the month?  What helps you feel better when your hormones are raging?  Leave me a comment – or at least laugh with me!

Disclosure:Luna Pads was a sponsor of the Green Blogger Soiree at BlogHer last month and provided us with samples of their pantyliners.  I am currently on my period and I was extremely tired and cranky when I decided to write this post.  I did bite my husbands head off for no reason and got all stressy and bithcy over nothing!  That’s what happens to me each month – but it’s very mild compared to the side effects that others may experience.  I did laugh over some text messages with my BFF while writing this post and I feel much better (and less cranky) now.  I hope you enjoyed my attempt at cranky humor and honesty!

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The one thing I HATE to do is change purses because it’s a pain to move all that junk from one bag to the next.  I’ve seen those fancy purse organizers on TV but they never really appealed to me – they looked too complicated or ugly – and they are far from eco-friendly.  **Note – my purses aren’t really all eco-friendly either.  I mean, have you seen these things?  

The Competition - Complicated!

Not exactly what I want to be fumbling with when my toddler is hanging off my leg waiting on mommy to change purses.  

About Plaid Doctrine:  As a working mom-to-be (any day now actually – if she hasn’t already delivered!) Suzanne Parks launched a new line of laptop (perfect for the iPad) bags that are made in the USA (Seattle, WA).  Her bags are all made with recycled fabrics and vegetable tanned leather.  

The Plaid Doctrine line of bags include the purse organizer, an iPad sleeve, a laptop bag and briefcase.  They are all created to withstand a mom’s daily adventures – whether that’s toting a toddler or a laptop (or both like me)!  Prices start at $79 and are only available at Plaid Doctrine.  

Follow Plaid Doctrine online:
Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plaid-Doctrine/393621770729
Twitter – http://twitter.com/plaiddoctrine
Web – http://www.plaiddoctrine.com/
Blog – http://www.plaiddoctrine.com/blog/ 

From now until Father’s Day you can save 10% on the purchase of an iPad sleeve (6/20/10). Use code PlaidDad10 at checkout.  I’m sure this Father’s Day will be a special one for Suzanne and her family as they welcome their newest addition to the family.  Good luck with your delivery Suzanne and I can’t wait to see pictures!  

Disclosure: Yes, I received the purse organizer for review and yes – it’s still in my purse, or my diaper bag, or whatever bag I feel like carrying today! 

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**Giveaway Alert** Check out my second offer for a great eco-chic giveaway from kateylove jewelry!  ECO-ngratulations Sarah H!

Mother’s Day is just a week away – what are you getting your mom this year?  Do you have a wish list of your own?  Here are just a few ideas compliments of my beloved sponsors.

1.  Lillunia- If you haven’t visited Lillunia yet you really should.  These find ladies make some adorable artwork and prints that are perfect for a nursery or child’s room.  They have a new photo album on the front page that shows you some creative ways to display their work.  My favorite room in their album is the pink and brown room with the Koala print.  Laura from Lillunia has offered my readers a special discount for 15% off with code TheEcoChicMoms.  Don’t forget that you can customize any piece with names and dates; just let them know when you checkout.

2.  kateylove jewelry - I wish I had a picture of me wearing my own kateylove necklace but I’m a little camera shy (I prefer pics of my beautiful children).  If you are looking for a simple but elegant piece of environmentally friendly jewelry (eco-chic) look no further than kateylove!  Her pieces are all made with organic and found materials.  The leather in the cording is not new leather…it’s been saved and reused.  All stones are conflict free.  katey is a native Californian and has a passion for jewelry, the ocean, and of course the environment.  She operates a sustainable buisness from her energy reduction efforts to the purchase recycled content mailers.  A portion of all sales even go to local environmental efforts. 

Want to win this Citrine necklace from her Terra Collection?  Visit kateylove jewelry and tell me one thing you learned about her line of jewelry.  Leave your comment below; one comment per person.  One extra entry can be earned by sharing this post (with link) on Twitter.   Giveaway ends May 10th, 2010 (midnight ET).  Contest closed! ECO-ngratulations Sarah H!

3.  And for those cloth diaper addicted mama’s – don’t forget to share this Diaper Shops coupon code with your family!  We all know that you really want new fluff for Mother’s Day…don’t deny it!  10% discount off your next order at Kelly’s Closet with code AFTERPARTY. (Cannot be used on bG,flip,econobum*) Exp. 5/4.   Limit one code per order and you may only use each code one time! Not good on any previous orders. 

4.  Grab Your Bags - Every eco-minded mama has a stash of reusable bags but how many times do you forget to take them with you!  It’s called Bagnesia!  Why not give her a Reusable Bag Reminder Kit this year for Mother’s Day.  The kits include a compact reusable shopping bag, a door hanger, a steering wheel wrap, a clip, and reusable pouch for storage.  You will never forget your bag again!  The kits normall sell for $14.99 but from now through Mother’s Day (2010) they have been reduced to $11.99 – a 20% savings!  I think it’s time I get myself a second set for my stash.

I’ll share my Mother’s Day present with you all next week.  Yes, I already have it (I think).  I came home with a new piece of jewelry the other day and hubby informed me that it was my present to myself.  Aren’t I a lucky mama?  What about you? Do you shop for yourself…or does your family surprise you?

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So maybe Lil’ B won’t appreciate National Tell a Fairy Tale Day this year (unless she gets to eat the book) but reading is a wonderful gift to our children.  I have been reading to my oldest son since he was just a baby…almost every day.  He’s turned into a very successful reader, so successful that he’s actually reading above his grade level at school. 

Here are some ideas for sharing National Tell a Fairy Tale Day with your children, no matter how old they are. 

1.  Share your favorite fairy tale with your kids.  I wonder if Little Red Ridinghood will become our new favorite story since Lil’ B has red hair? 

2.  Play dress up and turn yourself and your children into characters from a favorite story.  Big brother would have fun dressing up as the big bad wolf. 

3.  Have your kids put on a puppet show of their favorite fairy tale.

4.  Help turn your child’s room into a scene from their favorite fairy tale. 

5.  Make a fairy tale inspired craft.  I really like the Little Red Ridinghood toilet paper characters on DLTK’s website.  What a great way to reuse those pesky TP rolls.

Sprout Baby online store has some cute eco-friendly toys that will help inspire your children to use their imagination.  I really like PlanToys wooden tea set.  Don’t forget to use coupon code SBBL055 at Sprout Baby and save 15% off your first purchase.  I’m part of their Word of Mom program and can earn a little extra money if you enter that code when making your purchase (Thanks!).  After you place your first purchase you can join the Word of Mom program too…look under their affiliate program. 

Now, I think I need to go find a copy of Little Red Ridinghood for my Lil’ Red!  What is your favorite fairy tale?  What will you do to share National Tell a Fairy Tale with your kids today?

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I wanted to share some new items that are available at Sprout Baby for January.  If you are looking for eco-friendly toys and art supplies for your little ones be sure to check out the following items:

- Lana Organic plushed toys

- Eco-kids Gluten Free Finger Paints

- Melissa & Doug toys and puzzles

- PlanToys

Don’t forget to use discount code SBBL055 to save 15% off your first order. 

To view my Disclosure and Privacy Policy click HERE.

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Giveaway Alert! Win a $10 gift certificate to spend at Picnic Basket Crafts on Etsy.  ECO-ngratulations Zealandsmom!

Is anyone else addicted to Etsy?  It’s my inspiration to dive back into my artsy crafty self and create!  (Of course with my 2 kids and a full time job…and a blog…I don’t really have the time!)  Etsy is a worldwide site that allows creative people to make handmade goods for the rest of the world.  My favorite thing about Etsy is that everything is made with love and passion from people just like you and I. 

One such person is Tiffany, owner of Picnic Basket Crafts.  Tiffany creates eco-friendly decadent products for your body, home and baby.  Tiffany creates an amazing line of body products that would make a great at home spa day!  Just add a bottle of wine and some good friends and pamper yourself with her Facial Scrub or Foot Soak. 

Cloth diapering mama’s will love Tiffany’s Cleanse and Moisturize Mist for your cloth wipes…the fresh scent will take away the worst poo stink from your babies behind!! 

Like to clean; try one of Tiffany’s eco-friendly mop pad that fits nicely onto your swiffer.  These pads can be used over and over again…is it lame that I would really like one of these for Christmas? 

Tiffany takes eco-friendly to the next step with her shipping packages.  When my package of samples arrived it was nicely packaged inside an old cereal box!  It was so cute!  She also packed some of the samples in paper bags (re-purposed I’m sure) that were stitched neatly to finish off the edges. 

Website:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/picnicbasketcrafts
Blog:  http://www.picnicbasketcrafts.blogspot.com/
Coupon:  Use coupon code Eco Chic Blog and save 10% off your purchase at Picnic Basket Crafts.  (Wait for an adjusted invoice before paying.)

Win It!  Win a $10 gift certificate to use at Picnic Basket Crafts.  To enter, visit Tiffany’s shop on Etsy and tell me what you would spend your gift certificate on.  Leave your comments below (mandatory entry).

Extra Entries:
-Enter any of my other Eco-Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways (Leave a comment telling me which one’s you’ve entered.)
-Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
-Subscribe using Feedburner or other reader (Leave your email addy)
-Add my button to your blog or site (Leave a link to your blog)
-Blog about this giveaway and the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide  (Leave a link to your blog)
-Share this giveaway with your friends (Leave me a comment telling me how)

Giveaway open to residents of the US over the age of 18 yrs old.  Must leave a comment for each entry with a maximum of 10 entries total for this giveaway.  Giveaway ends December 10, 2009 at midnight (EST).  Entrants must leave their email to be contacted if they are selected.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE TO ENTER!

ECO-ngratulations Zealandsmom!

More from the Eco-Holiday Gift Guide.

*This post was sponsored by Picnic Basket Crafts.

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I have to admit that there are so many paths that being environmentally friendly will lead me down that some days it can be a little overwhelming.  Organic, biobased, recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, natural, non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and so on, and so on, and so on!  What about Fair Trade?  What exactly does that mean?  According to the all knowing Wkipedia; fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability. 

There is a new company called The Andean Collection that creates fair trade and highly fashionable jewelry.  Their jewelry is created by artisans in Ecuador who are paid a decent wage (compared to the average in their area) under good working conditions (no sweat shops).  A portion of the profits of the Andean Collection even go toward educating the local artisans and their families.  The Andean Collection is working to ensure that the artisans have a realistic path out of poverty.  I think this is a wonderful step in reaching out to communities and giving them the skills they need to improve their lives.  Too bad we can’t make this work here in the US with our own impoverished communities…but that’s a story for another day!

The Andean Collection released their new Fall 2009 line of jewelry and it is Eco-fabulous!  I especially like the line of acai seed necklaces and bracelets.  The bracelet shown here is the natural and turquoise wrap bracelet and was made by Olga Lucia Moran.  You may recognize the word acai from the grocery store; it’s becoming a popular diet drink.  It comes from the acai palm in the South American rain forest where they harvest the fruit for food and beverages.  To make jewelry from acai there are several steps that include drying, sanding, polishing, drilling, hand dyeing, sanding, and polishing before it is sent to the artisan.  They are hand dyed using non-toxic textile dyes.  I can’t image how long the process took to create just this one bracelet. 

Artisans use other natural materials (all harvested sustainably) found in the rain forest including jabon, tagua, and huayruru.  There materials have been used for generations! 

The Andean Collection also operates an environmentally friendly office.  Product tags and marketing materials are printed on recycled paper, and they continually strive to reduce their carbon footprint. In their offices, they take great efforts to conserve resources, including using energy efficient lighting and of course, recycling.

Take a look at their new Fall 2009 product line and let me know what your favorite piece is?  I’m really enjoying my acai wrap bracelet!

To learn more about The Andean Collection:
Visit their website.
Follow their blog.
Become a Fan on Facebook.
Follow them on Twitter.

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I originally wanted to hold this swap for Earth Day but I think summer will be best! My oldest will be out of school starting June 1st and this will be a wonderful activity to keep him busy!

I invite you to join The Eco Chic and other families across the United States as we celebrate this wonderful planet that we live on. The Eco Chic is hosting a eco-friendly summer swap for kids (and their families) ages 0-10…no we’re not swapping the kids…hehe…read on!

The goal of this swap is to 1) meet other eco-minded families in a different state, 2) send an eco-friendly care package to one family, 3) find creative ways to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE, and 4) share creative ways to educate our children about how to take care of the planet Earth. Ideally the care packages would be made up of items that are found (from nature), handmade, reused, recycled, or upcycled. Your care package might include a short lesson related to the environment. You can be as creative as you like. If you choose to purchase items (eco-books for example) we encourage you to purchase gently used items. Please keep your total investment under $10 plus shipping.

We will accept a total of 50 families for this swap. Families of all sizes are welcome to participate. We will make our best efforts to partner you with a family of similar size and age. This swap is best for families with children from ages 0-10.

Your commitment once the swap has begun:
1. Post information about your family and how you care for the Earth everyday.
2. Email your swap partner and introduce your family and share any special considerations (vegetarian, BPA free, no plastic toys, etc) that you would like your partner to know about you and your family.
3. Ship one small package to your swap partner by July 15, 2009.
4. Acknowledge receipt of your package with either an email or Thank You card/letter.
If you choose to do more that is great but this is the minimum requirements for this swap.

To join in please send an email to theecochic@gmail.com. Please include your name, name and age of your children, their ages and genders, your location, and any special considerations that may be used to help partner you with the perfect family. Also please include how you heard about this swap. The deadline to sign up is June 22, 2009 at midnight (EST) unless we receive our goal of 50 participants prior to that date.

In order to keep our environmental footprint small I will try to partner you with a family in a nearby State if possible. At this time this swap is only open for residents in the United States for this same reason.

Please feel free to post this information on your blog to help spread the news of the swap. We look forward to meeting you all as we share our love for Mother Earth with you and your families. Email me with any questions.

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