Showing posts with label Kitchen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kitchen. Show all posts
Kitchen: If You Care
ReUsies vs. Lunchskins: The Review {in a bag}
Batting 1000? Maybe not. Eating 1000? Probably!
Did you know the average person uses 1000 disposable plastic bags a year?! And that's just talking landfill waste...not the water, land, and air pollution caused from their manufacturing or taking into consideration the many chemical compounds present in plastic that could be contaminating your food during transport/storage. YIKES!!!
In a disposable world filled with plastic, increasing awareness of the simplicity of reusable options in everything from baby diapers to snack bags is helping people to decrease their landfill footprint...fast! Whether you are buying reusable bags for your child or yourself, there are several important factors in helping you choose the best matched baggie for your buck. In this review, we're going to address the differences in these two very popular brands of reusable food bags in hopes it will help you to find your perfect match on the first try {don't you wish the dating world were this easy}!
One of the most often overlooked yet very important aspects to check out in your potential product choice is size. If you happen to prefer hoagie roll sandwiches, ciabattas, or larger sized loaf bread slices - your lunch won't fit into every brand of reusable bag. Unlike plastic bags, which have fairly standardized sizes by content volume, reusable bags are typically measured in dimensions. Since most of us don't measure the dimensions of our food,this is one case where slightly bigger is actually better.
ReUsiesSizes: Snack: 6" x 5 / Sandwich: 7.5" x 6"
Made in WA, USA
Materials: 100% cotton + 100% nylon lining
Closure: foldover flap with Velcro
Washability: Machine wash/dry; Dishwasher wash; wipe down interior with soapy water
Price: $7 snack size; $9 sandwich size
Patterns: 25+ to choose from, more traditional prints
Water-resistant
Lunchskins Sizes: Snack: 6.5" x 3" / Sandwich: 6.5" x 6.5" / Sub: 8" x 7"
Made in USA (Fabric made in Europe)
Materials: Polyurethane coated cotton
Closure: foldover flap with Velcro
Washability: Dishwasher-safe
Price: $7.85 snack size; $8.95 sandwich size; $10.95 sub size
Patterns: Up to 10 different prints, more trendy prints
Waterproof
Lunchskins goes a step further to ensure their company is acting in an environmentally responsible manner, here it is in their own words: "we are primarily paper-free with the majority of bills and business conducted online, we use minimal packaging made from recycled materials in our shipments, we print all promotional materials on recycled materials at a local printing company, we use compact fluorescent bulbs and low flow faucets, and we bike to our office or work from home."
So what did we think of these bags? We really like the ReUsies fabrics - they feel like actual cloth - whereas the Lunchskins have a thick vinyl feeling to them at first (they soften with time). However, when packing a food that needs to retain moisture (especially fruits), the Lunchskins' waterproof ability was unmatched. We preferred to machine wash the ReUsies versus dishwasher clean the Lunchskins, but that is simply a matter of personal preference that will vary with each person. In the end, both sets of bags were superior to any disposable bag which means that regardless of which one you choose, you'll be a much happier camper, er eater, than you already are!
Are you ready to trade your 1000 for 10? Check out the ReUsies and Lunchskins websites and make a difference starting TODAY!
Green Sprouts Portable Lunchware
Better yet, they are currently holding a back-to-school sale on these fantastic favorites: Lunch bags are currently on sale for $13.99, snack bags are $11.99, and their fabulous stainless steel jar is only $15.99!
Why do we love Green Sprouts? They produce BPA-free, PVC-free, easy-to-clean products that lessen the chemical load on both your body and the planet as well as reduce waste. What's not to love?!
What sets them apart from all the others? Besides their dedication to healthier products, Green Sprouts offers convenience that others don't. For example, each bag (regardless of size) offers a tab buckle handle - this allows you to quickly and easily attach it to anything (stroller handles to save basket space, your purse, a backpack, bicycle, etc) - the possibilities for this convenience are endless. Another great feature of their bags are optional compartments - the lunch bag has a flexible yet firm and repositionable divider that allows you to custom fit the bag to your lunch and secure your items. The various sizes acknowledge that not everyone fits into the "one size fits all" category...which is just as realistic as these products are practical!And if you are looking for a great way to have a warm lunch in the middle of the day, look not further than the reusable stainless steel jar - perfect for soup, oatmeal, and all other sorts of real meals on the go! Dishwasher-safe and double walled for excellent insulation. It holds 10 ounces of deliciousness!
You can check out all Green Sprouts wonderful products (and great sale items) by visiting their website:
Stokke Tripp Trapp® Dining Chair for Infants -> Adults
Think about how many things occur at your dining table. Games. Meals. Socializing. Artwork. Bonding. This is the place where you share your meals and your lives. A place where you connect with your family and friends.
Now think of the typical high chair for children. Most have a tray that keeps the child several inches away from the table. Many are not adjustable to varying table heights. Others do not fit well into the space provided. All in all, during your child's most influential years, many traditional high chairs keep your child from participating in the wonderful events that occur at the family dinner table on a nightly basis. It leaves them...well, disconnected.
Giving your child comfortable and naturally ergonomic seating since 1972, the Tripp Trapp® chair brings families closer together...literally!
Features
The simple, contemporary design allows for easy yet thorough cleaning after every meal! With multiple adjustments to custom fit your child, this high chair goes beyond the baby years and proves to be just as useful throughout childhood into adulthood.
The Tripp Trapp® can be fully adjusted to "custom fit your child’s body through its unique depth and height adjustable seat and foot plate. This enables comfortable and correct ergonomic seating for children of any age." The stable footrest supports their feet and allows them to sit comfortably at just the right height! Their upper body is supported with a backrest positioned at the depth that best suits them, depending on how you adjust the seat for your child.
Each chair is sustainably produced using your choice of cultivated beech, American walnut, or European oak. Not only are these woods eco-friendly, but they are also strong and durable. In fact, Stokke products are specifically designed to last a lifetime and beyond!
For more information, please visit Stokke online by clicking here!
HOME: Daddy Van's Furniture Polish
However, in many cases that don't involve physical damage beyond color and moisture loss, beauty to wood furniture can be restored quickly, easily, and safely through the use of a natural wood polish product such as Daddy Van's All Natural Furniture Polish. We decided to put this polish to the test on oak cabinets which had been neglected (read: no polish) for nearly two decades. With UV damage to the clear coat, the wood has dried out and the color has dulled. We were not expecting a miracle, but we definitely wanted to add some moisture back into the cabinets. To be fair, we tested one set of cabinets with an olive oil based polish and another set with Daddy Van's All Natural Furniture Polish, which is beeswax based. The olive oil polish soaked in and begged for more, the wood was very thirsty. We soon realized that the olive oil polish would prove to be an expensive and time-consumptive process. The beeswax polish required only a single coat (applied with an old cotton sock, you know, the ones we've been begging you to repurpose into rags) and provided immediate aesthetic improvement!
Being the dedicated testers we are, we wanted to see how much area you could cover with one small container of Daddy Van's Furniture Polish. At first, it took a bit more to saturate the sock with beeswax, but after a few cabinet doors, the sock was primed and it only took very little for each subsequent cabinet. And so we worked and worked on the tester's kitchen long into the night, the next day we went back to work on adjacent baseboards and window sills....yet still there was much more left in the tin. And so, our answer for your inevitable question, "How long does one container last?" is that you can easily do a large kitchen full of cabinets and only use half of one tin. You can easily do all your baseboards in your house with one tin. If you are using this for all of your wood furniture in your house for occassional polishing, you might need one container annually. Thus, this is an absolutely wonderful value compared to vegetable oil based polishes, which require substantially more applications and amount over time. Below you can see the results of our oak cabinet polishing (notice the flash is bouncing off of the left cabinet and it is still dull, but the flash doesn't even hit the right cabinet and it is glossy from the polish - it looks like new):
Daddy Van's is on a mission to create superior products that are non-toxic, safe, and healthful for people and the planet, using ingredients that are as close to nature as possible and that are sourced responsibly and ethically. The beeswax comes from Texas and Colorado beekeepers and is unrefined, meaning that the only processing it goes through is filtering out the debris from the hive (read: no commerical contamination concerns of byproducts from manufacturing). It is then packaged up in Evergreen, Colorado and shipped to customers. That's right, this is a Made in the USA product!
Daddy Van's is a member of the Natural Products Association and has been awarded the Green America Business Seal of Approval. Their products are certified cruelty free by Leaping Bunny and a portion of their profits are donated to Healthy Child Healthy World.
Baby: Innobaby Packin' Smart 4-Tier Stack-n-Seal
To prevent this very common childhood affliction (incessant hunger), experienced parents know the many benefits of keeping a stash of snackage supplies on and at all times! Now, this is fairly easily accomplished if you're at home or happen to be in a populated area with other stocked parents or restaurants; however, you never know when you're going to end up somewhere with no access to snack foods and if you're unprepared, the infamous toddler meltdown may occur.
My recommendation? The Innobaby Stack-n-Seal ($17.99 US) container allows you to carry up to 4 generous toddler-sized portions wherever you venture. One of the great benefits of the Innobaby design over other similar models is that each tier provides it's own "easy pour spout" lid for easy disbursement of snacks without accidentally pouring out the entire thing all at once! It can be easily customized to fit your needs; 1 container, 4 containers, or more (they only sell up to the 4-tier but you can buy more and screw them all together just the same). The plastic is recyclable polypropylene (#5) which is known to be non-leaching. And what I really like is that it is the perfect size for my diaper bag, slipping unnoticed into the inside corner and there's no digging around to find it since it is a tall container.
Available in several colors and designs.
Fabric Napkins = Fabkins!
Want to save $250 and eliminate 67 pounds of waste every year? Switch to fabric napkins for your or your child's lunch {or both}!
Fabkins are FABULOUS! Created from 100% certified organic cotton, these nifty napkins are geared towards kids but are stylish enough to work for anyone. Each set is embroidered with a themed picture, or you can purchase them with custom monogramming! Measuring 13 inches square, they are the perfect size for on-the-go meals or lunchboxes.
Some other fantastic earth-friendly facts about Fabkins:
*meets Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS)
*sustainably produced
*fair-trade/socially responsible practices
*low-impact dyes (AZO & heavy metal-free)
*exceeds CPSIA standards for safe children's products
*lead-free
*phthalate-free
And perhaps the best part is how absolutely simple they are to keep clean! Just pop them in the washing machine after use and wash them up with the next load. We've actually taught our kids to take their plates to the kitchen and then go drop their fabkins immediately in the washer post-meals. Our kids are absolutely loving the designs and it makes them more likely to use their napkins rather than clothing to wipe their mouths. The only drawback we noticed is that if you want them wrinkle-free, you need to fold them immediately out of the dryer or resort to ironing. If you're a busy mom like I am, the fabkins will get used so often that wrinkles won't matter much!
Highly recommended!
Cleaners: Nothing But Soap's Lemon Scrub
If you face the challenge of having hard water just like we do, the soap scum leftover from using real soap can take its toll on your sinks and tub! But with so many toxic cleaners out there, we must be careful in choosing what we use in our attempts to maintain a clean home.
Nothing But Soap offers a delightful lemon cleaning scrub ($10 US) that takes the place of traditional cleaners of nitty-gritty and grime! Scented using only essential oils, a little bit of this cleaner goes a long way in clearing your sink, tub, and toilets of mineral deposits and build-up.
Ingredients:
sodium bicarbonate sodium borate, lemon juice, vinegar, and lemon essential oil
Garden: Dunecraft Eco Plant Pals
"Laura loves art of all sorts and always enjoys seeing it. She is very thoughtful, nice, and fun. Laura Lobelia can usually be found in elegant places, with elegant companions."
"Aloe is very handy and could be considered the universal fixer. In addition to treating sunburns, cuts, and bites, Alin renovates buildings, sets up networks, and can generally fix almost everything."
Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking...the first two could be dating ads published in the local newspaper, but that last one....well, you're not so certain about. There is a great reason for your skepticism...because these really are not people, they're plants!
From the wonderful world of Dunecraft arrives Eco Plant Pals, each with their own name and style. These small kits are perfect for a windowsill garden and include everything you need to start your own little plant friends growing on a road to success.
In our testing, we were able to cultivate 75% of the samples we tested. One helpful tip is to keep the lid on until the sprouts are over an inch in height and always make sure there is plenty of moisture inside. The containers are made from corn resin, leaving an eco-friendly footprint for your plant pals.
In the Kitchen: Peter Rabbit Organics
I'm not sure how I made it to my third child without having experienced the absolutely simplest way to feed them -- but now that I know about these great baby food pouches, there is no turning back!Whether you are traveling or just tired of washing baby spoons, this is the perfect solution! The twist off cap reveals a spout that the baby (over 6 months of age) can actually suck on and quickly get their entire meal - literally within a minute! It's like a smoothie on the go...and for us mommies, it is AMAZING!
The cap is recyclable, the entire pouch is bpa-free and takes less resources to make than traditional glass jars. Since they are flat, they take up less space in landfills and are smaller to transport. But the truly wholesome goodness lies within the variety of fruit and veggie flavors, all organic (USDA certified), that make these must-have meals and snacks.
Lifefactory Glass Beverage Bottles
Glass is a trusted material that has been used for years throughout houses and the world! It is 100% recyclable and negates worries of toxic chemicals leached by many plastics. The glass and polypropylene cap can be recycled curbside in most cities, while the silicone sleeve may be shipped back to Lifefactory for recycling.
Glass is also taste-friendly, and does not hold odors or stains like plastics or metals can do. And if you're someone who weighs the social impacts along with environmental impacts in your purchases, you'll be happy to know that these bottles are made in France, Poland, and the USA.
The sleeve is removable, but the entire bottle is dishwasher-safe or easily rinsed in the sink. After many washes, it still looks like new and we have not experienced any problems such as cracking of the silicone or fading. The bottle we tested is lovingly known as the "grape bottle" in our house, due to it's royal purple sleeve with circle cut-outs - and we absolutely adore it's design!
But....if you're like me, you're a bit hesitant to hand your child anything made of glass for fear of it shattering and cutting little fingers. It took me a few days of using this water bottle on my own to overcome this fear. First of all, the silicone sleeve does a great job of providing grip and lessening the chance of dropping. Secondly, the sleeve wraps around the entire bottle including the base edges, meaning that if and when you accidentally drop it, it is unlikely to break easily.
I found myself becoming more careless with its handling as the days went on, treating it more like one of our metal bottles, but it did not break. I'm confident in recommending this to our readers because it really performed exceptionally well and has so many benefits that you cannot find outside of glass. You may love it as we do, or you may not, but one thing is sure -- you need to give it the chance to impress you!
Available in a wide variety of colors (15+) and sizes (4-22oz).
Price: $12.49 - 21.99 US
Sigg: Reusable Bottles, Dishwasher-safe Design
We've all seen oodles of brands lining the store shelves and websites when looking for a reusable water bottle to purchase. How do you know which one you should choose? We have tested a substantial amount of reusable drink containers over the years and one thing is for certain, if you want high quality, Sigg is definitely one to consider!
We have tested a children's Sigg bottle identical to the one pictured above, solidly for over one month. This is the first painted bottle that has not chipped, cracked, or in some other way cosmetically flawed with regular dishwasher cycles. And whether by simple luck or design, it has not sustained the usual dents that metal canister bottles are known for either.
The .3L Busy Bee Sigg kids bottle is lightweight and sized perfectly for little hands. The flip top cap covers the spout which opens easily with a twisting motion. Due to the twisting motion required, it cannot be opened by very small children, thus preventing spills. Also due to this spout design, it's likely to last much longer than it's up-down pull-push spout counterpart which is gnawed on to open/close.
To check out all available sizes, designs, and accessories, visit their website!
EIO Glass Silicone Sleeve Cup
"You shouldn't have to be a rocket scientist to choose safe products for your family! And now you don't. Life just got easier with 50+ brands of eating gear, toys and skincare - each confirmed free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and melamine. Also cadmium and lead-safe." -TheSoftLanding.comTheSoftLanding.com provided us with an EIO Kids Cup ($15 US) for review of both the product and their customer service as an eco-friendly, non-toxic retailer! As far as their customer service goes, the product arrived quickly and packaged well, not excessively, within days after placing the order. All replies have been prompt and courteous. And the idea of having a single store that you can trust has already done all the legwork of finding and carrying only the safest products, is super convenient!
The EIO Kids Cup consists of an 8 oz. glass canning jar, polypropylene screw on lid, and silicone sleeve. This is not a spill proof cap, it is more of the style of a travel coffee lid with a single indented slit on one side. This design helps to teach kids proper sipping technique the same way as they would with a regular glass but without the ability to accidentally pour all of the drink into their face if tilted too quickly or far. The lid and sleeve fit most 8 oz canning jars so you don't need to buy many of these to have a full supply of kid-friendly cups! The silicone sleeve helps with grip and also protects the glass if dropped. We would like to see an improvement in the design that allows the silicone sleeve to wrap onto the bottom of the cup, as it is right now, it easily slides across surfaces which could cause more accidents than a silicone grip bottom. Another nice feature of glass is that it can be sanitized without breaking down or discoloring, and you can even use it for warm teas and cocoa without problem. We recommend this product for 3+ years of age.
Our 3 year old tester for this product commented that is makes the drink "bubbly" - apparently the way he is sipping from it. Either way, he really enjoyed using this cup.
Cleaning: Better Life Starter Kit
Okay, so we all know that there are a lot of cleaners out there that claim to be "green" and then you read the label, gasping in shock and dismay. But this company, Better Life, is different!
They aim to do just what their name implies...provide YOU with a better life through more effective, non-toxic cleaning products that make your life simpler, healthier, and ultimately, happier! What you won't find in their products will impress you...Impress me, you say? How's this for starters (and yes, they have the proof to back this all up - we checked on it):
They aim to do just what their name implies...provide YOU with a better life through more effective, non-toxic cleaning products that make your life simpler, healthier, and ultimately, happier! What you won't find in their products will impress you...Impress me, you say? How's this for starters (and yes, they have the proof to back this all up - we checked on it):
Proven to remove more bacteria on surfaces than leading natural AND conventional brands! (what-EVER! spray)
Better at removing soap scum and hard water stains! (what-EVER! spray)
Proven to biodegrade 2-3x faster!
NO petrochemicals (...nothing good is ever to come of dead dinosaurs after a million years ;-)
NO VOCs (easily vaporize into the air you breathe, causing respiratory problems)
NO ethyloxylates (endocrine disruptor; linked to cancer and sterility)
NO parabens (endocrine disruptor; linked to cancer and biocumulative)
NO sls or sles (solvents; toxic to marine life when rinsed down the drain and linked to various skin and lung conditions in humans)
NO synthetic dyes or fragrances (linked to disorders of the nervous system, cancer, respiratory problems, skin and easily degrades into more dangerous chemical compounds)
- All bottles are 100% recyclable, post-consumer content in all packaging, water-based inks and recyclable film for labeling, and NO dyes or color pigments used in any products, bottles, sprayers, or caps!
NON-GMO ingredients(not genetically modified)
- NO nanoparticles!
...are you convinced yet? These products are pretty awesome on paper...now for the testing phase. Do they work? We jumped at the opportunity to try their entire product line and test it out on a house full of little boys...could their products handle our all-consuming vortex of daily crud? Here's what our experience was with each product.
What-EVER! All Purpose Cleaner ($6.99) cleans, well you guessed it, whatever hard surfaces you've got on your to-do list for today! Countertops, toilet seats, tables, chairs, sinks, showers, and even the walls...if it's a hard surface and you can wash it, you can spray it with this cleaner. It is available in scent-
free or clary sage/citrus.
This cleaner worked well on everything we triedit on, and we tried it on just about everything! It left our toilets sparkling, my countertops have never felt so smooth and clean (it leaves absolutely no residue or stickiness behind), and handled clean-ups quickly and without effort. The essential oils used to scent the clary sage/citrus really help to perk up your day; a known aromatherapeutic effect of clary sage. So I'm not really sure if it was the single swipe cleaning on every surface or the pleasant aromatherapy treatment I received while mopping up our everyday messes - but using this cleaner made a big difference in my daily routine!
free or clary sage/citrus.
This cleaner worked well on everything we triedit on, and we tried it on just about everything! It left our toilets sparkling, my countertops have never felt so smooth and clean (it leaves absolutely no residue or stickiness behind), and handled clean-ups quickly and without effort. The essential oils used to scent the clary sage/citrus really help to perk up your day; a known aromatherapeutic effect of clary sage. So I'm not really sure if it was the single swipe cleaning on every surface or the pleasant aromatherapy treatment I received while mopping up our everyday messes - but using this cleaner made a big difference in my daily routine!
Ingredients: purified water, coconut surfactant, vegetable-based surfactant (corn), natural amino acid surfactant, clary sage essential oil, lemon essential oil, preservative (.08%)
Even The Kitchen Sink Gentle Scrubber ($6.99 US) is an odorless, scratch-free polishing cleaner that works well on stainless steel, tile, bathtubs, glass, porcelain, and stone. I decided to test it out on our stovetop, the one that has had oodles of noodles overflow on it, caking starch to the surface repeatedly, and simply put - I've been trying to clean it off for actually 3 months now with bottle cleaners - nothing has worked (and I've been refusing to yank out the elbow grease and spend an afternoon on it with a homemade paste - just not enough hours in the day lately).
Alas, this gentle scrubber was put to work, hard work, cleaning my sticky stovetop. I was so excited about how this would turn out that I took photos of the process...yes, I know, I'm goofy - but you can thank me later when you discover the magic of these effective products for yourself! ;-) The end result was amazing...the caked-on mess that every other cleaner had failed to clear for months was wiped off with very little scrubbing effort within seconds! It was pretty darn amazing.
Ingredients: purified water, calcium carbonate, corn-based surfactant, coconut oil surfactant, coconut oil, vegetable wax, xanthan gum, preservative (.01%)
Alas, this gentle scrubber was put to work, hard work, cleaning my sticky stovetop. I was so excited about how this would turn out that I took photos of the process...yes, I know, I'm goofy - but you can thank me later when you discover the magic of these effective products for yourself! ;-) The end result was amazing...the caked-on mess that every other cleaner had failed to clear for months was wiped off with very little scrubbing effort within seconds! It was pretty darn amazing.
Ingredients: purified water, calcium carbonate, corn-based surfactant, coconut oil surfactant, coconut oil, vegetable wax, xanthan gum, preservative (.01%)
Simply Floored Floor Cleaner ($7.29 US) is a ready-to-use, no rinsing required formula that leaves your floors super shiny and squeaky clean! It works on any hard flooring you have (given that it's washable obviously)....vinyl, tile, marble, bamboo, hardwood, laminate. Despite having a crawling infant, as long as the ingredients are safe and it removes the gunk, I'm good with it...alas, I've given this one the green light! The slight spearmint scent that lingers around the house after cleaning with this also makes it rather soothing!
Ingredients: purified water, coconut and corn-based surfactant blend, vegetable glycerin, spearmint essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, bergamot essential oil, preservative (.08%)
I Can See Clearly, WOW! Glass Cleaner ($6.99 US) is unscented and a little bit goes a long way! It wasn't as effective of a cleaner as what-EVER! all purpose cleaner in our testing, so if you have toothpaste bits on the kids' bathroom mirror, I would recommend a quick spritz of what-EVER! first and then following up with this glass cleaner to polish it up to a streak-free shine! Other than that, it will leave your windows and glass absolutely sparkling.
Did youknow that you can reduce your energy bills by angling your blinds for the sunlight to shine into your house on the floor during the day? But if even the tiniest dust particles or residue are on the windows, it will reflect the light back out and you lose that heating advantage and energy savings. Yet another awesome reason, beyond aesthetics, to clean your windows regularly with a streak-free cleaner like this one!
Did youknow that you can reduce your energy bills by angling your blinds for the sunlight to shine into your house on the floor during the day? But if even the tiniest dust particles or residue are on the windows, it will reflect the light back out and you lose that heating advantage and energy savings. Yet another awesome reason, beyond aesthetics, to clean your windows regularly with a streak-free cleaner like this one!
Ingredients: purified water, coconut surfactant, vegetable-based surfactant (palm and corn), preservative (.08%)
2am Miracle Nursery Cleaner ($6.99 US) is a multi-purpose, multi-surface cleaner that's specially designed to clean cribs, toys, changing tables, car seats, highchairs, diaper pails, and nursery walls/floors. It can also be used as a deodorizer and on clothing as a stain pre-treatment! Perhaps, most importantly, this cleaner has been proven to remove more germs and bacteria off surfaces than conventional disinfectants!
As a parent, I cannot stress enough the importance to have anursery cleaner on hand at all times in your house (or if you have room, take it with you in the diaper bag - changing stations in public restrooms are disgusting, having your cleaner on hand will allow you to change the baby without covering them in all sorts of nasty germs). Actually, I wish they made this nursery cleaner in a travel size for that very purpose (hmmm...time to email product development with my suggestion/request ;-)! And I'm not going to go into details on this one too much, I'll just reference their motto for this product, "3P's: Pee, Poop, Puke. Just spray, wipe, and go back to sleep," and agree -- yep! It does all of that and more!
As a parent, I cannot stress enough the importance to have anursery cleaner on hand at all times in your house (or if you have room, take it with you in the diaper bag - changing stations in public restrooms are disgusting, having your cleaner on hand will allow you to change the baby without covering them in all sorts of nasty germs). Actually, I wish they made this nursery cleaner in a travel size for that very purpose (hmmm...time to email product development with my suggestion/request ;-)! And I'm not going to go into details on this one too much, I'll just reference their motto for this product, "3P's: Pee, Poop, Puke. Just spray, wipe, and go back to sleep," and agree -- yep! It does all of that and more!
Ingredients: purified water, natural amino acid surfactant, coconut surfactant, vegetable-based surfactant, botanical extract (undisclosed), lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, preservative (.01%)
SHOP BETTER LIFE PRODUCTS Want to win your own starter kit? Contest coming soon in February...watch our facebook page for details!
Kitchen: Smiling Planet Dinnerware
Whimsy meets Practicality.
With useful design features such as walled edges on plates and 2" deep bowls, Smiling Planet dishes offer functional appeal amidst beautiful art with a message. Their message? Respect and enjoy the planet, now and always!
Lightweight construction, perfectly sized for snack or mealtime, and environmentally responsible, Smiling Planet uses 100% recycled polypropylene (#5) plastic. All items are lead-free, pvc-free, phthalate-free, BPA-free, free of toxic inks, dishwasher safe, and fully recyclable! Made in the USA.
Our miniature testers absolutely loved the whimsical designs, they decided to devour their food faster simply to reveal the "hidden picture" below. The bowls are just the right size for little hands to hold. And although the dishes are not recommended for microwave use, surprising this did not cause a problem, as I've suddenly realized how few times we actually heat up a plate. The dishes and designs held up well through multiple washings in the dishwasher. We were very impressed with the high quality feel also, unlike some other products consisting of recycled materials, Smiling Planet offers truly high-quality that is long-lasting.
This company is proud partner of Healthy Child, Healthy World.
Baby: The Sippy Cup from thinkbaby
The challenge that lies before is to find a sippy cup that meets all of our requirements, which are:
- non-toxic (BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, etc)
- simple design
- easy to clean with few parts
- lightweight for ease of lifting
- easy to drink from
For this particular review, thinkbaby sent us their 9 oz sippy cup ($8.49 US) to try out! thinkbaby is known for their safe baby products and innovative designs.
Since it is said that pictures speak louder than words, I'd like to preface this review with several snapshots. These photos are posted in the order taken, and as this is the first time the baby has tried any sippy cup, the natural curiosity is captured with this fascinating new thing that provides drink.
The soft silicone spout is soft on the baby's gums and teeth, but will likely need to be replaced a few times per year due to inevitable chewing. This sippy cup reminds me more of a bottle than a cup, due in part to the soft silicone spout which is very similar to a bottle nipple; thus I would rate this product best for those in the earliest stages of transition to self-drinking. The handle is very easy for a young child to grasp and the amount of tilt to receive fluids is reasonable. The absolutely best feature on this product is that it does not leak - it is 100% spill-proof out of the package! And by this, I mean, the baby tried and tried upside-down while shaking it full of water to get it to spill and it just didn't happen. For conquering this feat alone, I award the thinkbaby sippy cup the honorable "juice worthy" award!
Kitchen: SugarBooger Recycled Melamine Tray Set
Old school...literally!
Description: Cafeteria-style 10.5" x 8" divided food tray with matching fork, spoon and 6 oz cup. Made from non-toxic, lead-free, post-industrial recycled melamine.
Ingredients: 100% recycled melamine plastic
Price: $20 US
Help to divert tons of melamine from landfills by giving it a second life, on your dinner table! These children's sets are reminiscent of old school style cafeteria trays, and who didn't know that would be a fashionable home statement one day. Comprised of recycled plastic resin, it looks like ceramic but performs like lightweight plastic, each and every one of these trays is unique because the "confetti" is different on every single one!
Melamine is so common that it appears in virtually every household...on your countertops, that is! That's right, melamine is the plastic resin used to make countertops because it is one of the strongest plastics there is. And while it is heat-resistant, it is not heat-proof and can degrade at higher temperatures, so it is not wise to use it in the oven or microwave. However, it is dishwasher safe (top rack), though it would obviously have a longer lifespan being hand-washed in lower heat.
The plate is large enough to hold a dinner portion for a child age 10 and under. The matching utensils and cup are more appropriately sized for a child under age 5. And if your child gets tired sitting at the table, they can always count different colors of dots on the tray...it keeps them occupied just a bit longer!
Melamine is so common that it appears in virtually every household...on your countertops, that is! That's right, melamine is the plastic resin used to make countertops because it is one of the strongest plastics there is. And while it is heat-resistant, it is not heat-proof and can degrade at higher temperatures, so it is not wise to use it in the oven or microwave. However, it is dishwasher safe (top rack), though it would obviously have a longer lifespan being hand-washed in lower heat.
The plate is large enough to hold a dinner portion for a child age 10 and under. The matching utensils and cup are more appropriately sized for a child under age 5. And if your child gets tired sitting at the table, they can always count different colors of dots on the tray...it keeps them occupied just a bit longer!
Kids: Crayon Rocks, Eco-Paint, & Snack Taxi from Nubius Organics
Green Gifts for Kids!
Eco-Kids Fingerpaint Tube ($19.95 US) Description: Made with all natural ingredients including plant, fruit, and vegetable extracts. Yields about 30 ozs. of paint. Even the packaging tube is made from post consumer waste and the containers inside are made from cornstarch and 100% compostable. Now that's eco-friendly!
Crayon Rocks ($5 US) Description: Crayon Rocks have vibrant colors and make beautifully textured art work. All natural soy wax crayons made from USA grown soybeans and colored with natural mineral powders. Designed to develop fine motor skills, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting. The shape allows small fingers to color in large, wide strokes creating pictures rich in color. Contains 8 crayon rocks in a drawstring bag.
The sandwich-sack is the perfect fit for a generous sandwich, bagel or wrap, or a hearty snack! Dimensions: 7.5" W x 6" H.
If your children enjoys art as much as mine do, I've found some wonderful green products for you! Nubius Organics is a website that specializes in eco-friendly goods and for our review, the great staff over there sent us the following products (all of which my children were very excited to get their hands on)!
Eco-kids is a mom-owned business that produces natural children's art products, including eco-paint. Eco-paint ingredients read like a recipe, not an art product: flour, cornstarch, seaweed, organic fruit, beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, and blueberries. Right off the bat, this made me feel much more comfortable in their non-toxic status versus some random fingerpaint off the shelf with no disclosed ingredients (and that silly little safety emblem that is somehow supposed to reassure me and instill instant trust in an unknown product). I spooned 2 tablespoons of each powder color into matching color bowls (first years #5 plastic, non-leaching and reusable snack bowls with lids) and then added 2 tablespoons of water to each as well. This made a perfect consistency fingerpaint! The colors remain vibrant on their little fingers and on the paper. I was worried about staining so I had them paint without any on....turns out that it washes very easily off of skin without staining! It dries to a paste finish, still vibrant.
The crayon rocks were a huge hit in our household too! They are perfect for little hands, BUT make sure that your child is completely over putting things in their mouth as these are definitely a choking hazard. They seemed to write just as well as normal crayons, but with the added creativeness of their rock design, our children spent more time coloring with them than normal crayons! The wax is made from 100% US-based soybeans and mineral pigments, so they are a lot more eco-friendly than most others even though they look and work the same.
Last but not least, make an artsy day of it by packing your child a snack to take to their art playdate...no more disposable baggies needed! Why is that? Because the Snack Taxi is fabric version of a sandwich bag and it can be machine washed and dried over and over again. Our kids love these reusable bags for their snack time, it's fun for them to choose what color and pattern they want eat day and empowering kids to make small decisions in their early years really helps to boost their self-confidence throughout life. The Snack Taxi has an adjustable velcro closure that allows you to tighten it to fit the snack of choice. Definitely an item that every person should have a few of!
Thank you to Nubius Organics, your customer service was FABULOUS and we really dig your selection of green goodies, too!!
Eco-kids is a mom-owned business that produces natural children's art products, including eco-paint. Eco-paint ingredients read like a recipe, not an art product: flour, cornstarch, seaweed, organic fruit, beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, and blueberries. Right off the bat, this made me feel much more comfortable in their non-toxic status versus some random fingerpaint off the shelf with no disclosed ingredients (and that silly little safety emblem that is somehow supposed to reassure me and instill instant trust in an unknown product). I spooned 2 tablespoons of each powder color into matching color bowls (first years #5 plastic, non-leaching and reusable snack bowls with lids) and then added 2 tablespoons of water to each as well. This made a perfect consistency fingerpaint! The colors remain vibrant on their little fingers and on the paper. I was worried about staining so I had them paint without any on....turns out that it washes very easily off of skin without staining! It dries to a paste finish, still vibrant.
The crayon rocks were a huge hit in our household too! They are perfect for little hands, BUT make sure that your child is completely over putting things in their mouth as these are definitely a choking hazard. They seemed to write just as well as normal crayons, but with the added creativeness of their rock design, our children spent more time coloring with them than normal crayons! The wax is made from 100% US-based soybeans and mineral pigments, so they are a lot more eco-friendly than most others even though they look and work the same.Last but not least, make an artsy day of it by packing your child a snack to take to their art playdate...no more disposable baggies needed! Why is that? Because the Snack Taxi is fabric version of a sandwich bag and it can be machine washed and dried over and over again. Our kids love these reusable bags for their snack time, it's fun for them to choose what color and pattern they want eat day and empowering kids to make small decisions in their early years really helps to boost their self-confidence throughout life. The Snack Taxi has an adjustable velcro closure that allows you to tighten it to fit the snack of choice. Definitely an item that every person should have a few of!
Thank you to Nubius Organics, your customer service was FABULOUS and we really dig your selection of green goodies, too!!
Kids: Booginhead 52" Round Splat Mat
Well-rounded mess protection!
Description: This unique 52″ round splatmat is placed under your child’s chair to catch spilled or dropped food. Also great for protecting against art projects. BPA and phthalate free.
Ingredients: BPA and phthalate-free plastic, fabric edging
Price: $19.99 US
If you're looking to protect your carpet from stains, whether it be from baby's dinner or your toddler's painting project, you'll need to invest in a waterproof floor mat (often called a "splat mat"). There are a few types: fabric, coated fabric, and plastic.
The least expensive is plastic and as long as it is durable and isn't going to end up in the landfill any time soon - this is going to be the most waterproof option. While you can rinse off the plastic in the shower or outside with the hose (hang dry), the fabric and fabric coated versions can be thrown into the washer (note: coated fabric can only be put into the dryer on low). The plastic version can also be simply wiped down with a warm soapy cloth to be cleaned, then towel dried - making for a quick clean turnaround time.
The Booginhead Splat Mat is made in China of BPA-free and phthalte-free plastic. It is available in 3 designs: chocolate brown floral scrolls, light pink floral (shown above), and white with red fabric trim. The older design was 48" but their new design is 52" round, making certain that more than the immediate floor under their chair is protected! With so many holiday reviews and testing to do on children's products, this splat mat has come in handy - protecting our carpet from mineral paints, organic play dough, and plenty of snack accidents! The large, round size ensures that below and just behind their chair is covered as well (little hands like to toss behind and below). Overall, it costs about half the price of similar fabric mats and offers great coverage with easy cleaning!
Don't forget to add a splat mat to your shopping cart this holiday season if you're buying for any child -- their parents will thank you!
The least expensive is plastic and as long as it is durable and isn't going to end up in the landfill any time soon - this is going to be the most waterproof option. While you can rinse off the plastic in the shower or outside with the hose (hang dry), the fabric and fabric coated versions can be thrown into the washer (note: coated fabric can only be put into the dryer on low). The plastic version can also be simply wiped down with a warm soapy cloth to be cleaned, then towel dried - making for a quick clean turnaround time.
The Booginhead Splat Mat is made in China of BPA-free and phthalte-free plastic. It is available in 3 designs: chocolate brown floral scrolls, light pink floral (shown above), and white with red fabric trim. The older design was 48" but their new design is 52" round, making certain that more than the immediate floor under their chair is protected! With so many holiday reviews and testing to do on children's products, this splat mat has come in handy - protecting our carpet from mineral paints, organic play dough, and plenty of snack accidents! The large, round size ensures that below and just behind their chair is covered as well (little hands like to toss behind and below). Overall, it costs about half the price of similar fabric mats and offers great coverage with easy cleaning!
Don't forget to add a splat mat to your shopping cart this holiday season if you're buying for any child -- their parents will thank you!
Home: 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil by Reynolds Wrap
Best Price: $3.40 + free shipping (Alice.com)
While we always try to utilize reusable containers and washable bags when we pack lunches, sometimes our food storage needs demand a disposable option. Since many plastic wraps, even biodegradable varieties, are not realistically compostable under normal landfill or compost conditions, our family generally uses tried-and-true aluminum foil for our disposable option. Until recently, an eco-friendly version of foil did not exist and then the geniuses at Reynolds Wrap found a solution for all those soda cans and other aluminum we've been recycling for the past two decades...100% recycled aluminum foil food wrap! Available in 50 sq. foot rolls (approx. 12 months of use in our family).
Why did it take them so long? Well, they were perfecting the quality of the foil to ensure a consistently high quality supply of recycled aluminum that is just as strong, durable, and performs just as well as their regular foil. And let me tell you, this is definitely superior to every generic foil brand I've ever tried and is just as strong as the regular Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil - but better because it is eco-friendly! Below are some of the highlights from their website that answers common questions regarding this product:
Eco-friendly features:
- 100% Recycled Aluminum
- 100% Recycled Paperboard Packaging
- Water-based inks
"Is Reynolds Wrap® Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum safe to use with food?
Aluminum foil made from recycled aluminum is as clean and safe to use with food as foil made from new, also referred to as virgin, aluminum. The process of melting down the recycled aluminum requires heating the metal to more than 1200°F, which burns off any debris in the metal. Once it turns into a molten liquid, the aluminum is sent through a filtration process, poured and rolled into thin sheets.
Can the recycled aluminum foil be recycled again after use?
Yes, Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum has the potential to be recycled. However, you will need to verify whether your local recycling facility accepts aluminum foil. Consumers can visit www.earth911.org for locations of recycling stations or contact your local municipality for more information.
What are the environmental benefits of buying Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum?
There is an 80 percent reduction in the amount of energy used during the process of turning recycled material into foil, compared to making the foil from new, also referred to as virgin, materials. Manufacturing and buying recycled-content products create a circle, or loop, that ensures the overall success and value of recycling. The process also produces fewer emissions, including greenhouse gases, and reduces the amount of landfill waste."
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