Who: Non-perishable Goods – Portland, OR

What: Save Me Pillow

Where: Non-perishable Goods – $120

Why We Love It: Who amongst us couldn’t use a little saving? Especially when it comes in the shape of these pillows. These made to order felt pillows feature a felt cross sewn across the front. Choose your own color combo (but how do you choose between the tone on tone theme or the grey background and pink cross… perhaps we need twice the saving?).

And as if the simple graphic and sumptuous fabrics don’t make these pillows appealing enough, the pillows – as well as the other products in Shay Carillo’s line – are made here in the US of all natural fibers (linens, felts, hemp). The products reflect Shay’s commitment to sustainable products, as well as her globally inspired sense of design. Seems like this mother of two might just be saving the world one pillow at a time!

Who: Chloe in Style

What: Moustache Organic Bodysuit

Where: Chloe in Style – $39

Why We Love It: Normally, we’re not big fans of prolific chest hair, but who could resist a pint sized guy with this moustache on his chest? Yup, the adorable graphics that Chloe in Style prints – with low impact dyes – on their organic bodysuits are redefining stylish babywear.

Bridget, the creator of Chloe in Style, started the company when her daughter Chloe was born. Her organic baby products are made in the USA, constructed of soft, organic cotton and printed with a water based, eco-friendly printing process. In addition to beautiful organic clothing, the Chloe in Style website also offers baby gear, feeding accessories, and gifts for moms and newborns alike. If only they sold wine by the glass as well, we’d be all set…

Who: Tea Collection

What: Nordic Collection

Where: Tea Collection – $28+

Why We Love It: It’s back to school time and with that comes strolling the aisles for comfortable kid’s clothing that can go from the classroom to the playground and back again. Which is why we love Tea Collection’s new Nordic Collection for girls!

No need for embellishments, they let the modern design, beautiful patterns, and unexpected colors do the talking. Think graphic flowers, “adorable” dots, and miniature stripes all in easy to wear–and wash–no-scratch cotton. Yes, organic would be ideal, but it beats the synthetic, over-processed fabrics that lurks in the kid’s aisle–but here’s hoping they make the switch!

It’s officially Earth Week and this Sunday, April 22 will mark the 42nd Anniversary of Earth Day, so how will you celebrate it? Whether you choose to join an organized clean-up, a neighborhood picnic, or simply take the time to smell the lilacs (ours are in full bloom as of yesterday!), it’s the perfect time to take a moment and celebrate this amazing and beautiful planet we live on.

Here are some events you can join in on in honor of the big day:

	1. Take the Billion Acts of Green Pledge — one small change can make a big difference, and it’s easy to do. Whether you pledge to bike to work, grow a garden, stop junk mail, eat more local food, or any number of green actions, it adds up. Who knows, you might just be the 1 billionth pledgee!
	2. Attend an Earth Day Rally-the main event in the US is happening on the National Mall in Washington DC featuring Cheap Trick, Dave Mason, and Kicking Daisies along with an incredible line up of speakers including EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, Indy Car driver Leilani Münter, organizer of the first Earth Day Denis Hayes, and more. They’ve got an “EcoVillage” too. Can’t make it to D.C.? Not to worry, watch it all live on the web at www.earthday.org.
	3. Join in the Nature Conservancy’s Picnic for the Planet–the world’s largest and most delicious Earth Day celebration. See if there is one happening near you (we’ll be at ours on the Boston Common!), and if not, organize one of your own wherever you are! If you rally a group of 25 or more and your event will help the Nature Conservancy achieve their goal of setting a Guinness World Record® for the most people picnicking in 24 hours–yup, it’s a thing.
	4. Volunteer your services in thanks to the planet-get involved in a clean-up, a tree planting, and more. The EPA has put together a comprehensive list of Earth Day events, festivals, and volunteer opportunities by region so you can get out there and celebrate with other members in your community. You even may make a new friend in the process.
	5. Get outside. We are firm believers that one of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is to get out and enjoy nature. Go for a walk or a hike or a bike ride; sit outside with a book, friends, or a picnic; play a game of croquet or soccer or bocce; go to the beach, the mountains, or the urban jungle; rake the yard, plant some flowers, build a treehouse, host a bbq. Whatever you do, just enjoy it and have fun!

Happy Earth Day!!

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Basket: Reuse plastic eggs from last year + shredded paper (think scrap paper or tissue paper) + a bucket or basket you already own. Easy peasy. Add a touch of eco-paint to personalize. Cost = free!

2. Au Naturel Basket: Real eggs–hollowed or hard-boiled dyed with natural dyes (try it: Eco-Eggs Easter Egg Coloring Kit – $16) + real live grass (try it: The Original All-Natural Easter Grass-Kit – $8.95 + a reusable tote (get it: FEED Our Small World Tote made of organic cotton & burlap; provides 500 children with a year’s worth of essential Vitamin A supplements – $48).

3. Green Goods Basket: Reusable wooden eggs–plain or decorated–(get it: Blank Nesting Easter Eggs – $25 or 12 Wooden Eggs – $11.95) + colorful cloth filler (get it: organic cotton scarf – $13) + a fair trade, natural, handcrafted basket (get it: Bolga Baskets – $25).

And, of course, fill your buckets, bags, and baskets with organic, fair trade candies and sweets free of artificial flavors or sweeteners.

If you are looking to save money on energy bills, a home energy audit is a great place to start. It will give you a sense of where you could make improvements and where you are doing well. We recently had MassSave conduct a free home energy audit–we passed! However, the auditor did find one single incandescent light bulb in a socket we never use–for shame…

Get a jump on curbing you energy use at home with MassSave’s top ten energy saving tips–how many can you check off you list?

1. Install a programmable thermostat
2. Use CLFs with the ENERGY STAR label
3. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle
4. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use
5. Plug home electronics such as TVs and DVD players into power strips that you can easily switch off when not in use.
6. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120F
7. Take short showers instead of baths
8. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
9. Drive sensibly — speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking wastes gas
10. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing home appliances and products.

Pining for the bright, colorful, delicious goodness of a summer farmer’s markets bounty? Well, you might be surprised with the variety of tasty farm-grown, artisan crafted goodies available in the winter months – think farm fresh eggs, honey, hearty root vegetables, pasta, bread, chocolates, pastries, and wine. Here’s a list of places in the Boston area where you can pick up some seasonal food and fresh baked goods even on the coldest of days:

What: Prudential Center Farmers’ Market
Where: Boston Prudential Center at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
When: Thursdays from 11am-6pm November thru April 26
What’s for sale: lavender, honey, vegetables, fruit, bread, baked goods, herb plants, herbal sandwiches

What: Cambridge Winter Farmers’ Market
Where: Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender Street, Cambridge, MA
When: Saturdays 10am-2pm November-April 28
What’s for sale: root veggies, kale, beets, gluten free pastas, fresh eggs, fish & shellfish, sauces, honey, preserves, art, and more.

What: Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market
Where: The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA
When: Saturdays 9:30am-2:30pm November 12-May 26
What’s for sale: local and regional produce, meats, fish, breads, pastries, chocolate, and wine, plus arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, and children’s activities.

What: SoWa Winter Market
Where: 485 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA
When: Sundays 10am-3pm November 20-April 29
What’s for sale: honey, nuts, wine, mushrooms, butter, organic coffee, grassfed meats, cheese, root vegetables, greenhouse fare, farm fresh eggs, seeds & starter plants, artisan breads & baked goods, jams & preserves, grains & oils, and much more.

What: Dorchester Winter Farmers’ Market
Where: The Great Hall of the Codman Square Health Center, 6 Norfolk Street, Dorchester, MA
When: Sundays 12pm-3pm November – March 25
What’s for sale: cheeses, sandwiches, cakes, sweet potatoes, squash, onions, garlic, turnips, celery root, carrots, parsnips, collard greens, kale, plus gardening workshops and art projects

Know of an winter market in your neighborhood? Add it to the list in a comment below!

Sprinkle a little ‘green’ into your Halloween festivities this year starting with:

	1. The Costume Halloween is the perfect time to unleash your (and your kids) creativity–let your kids imaginations run wild with the possibility of what they can be and let them join in the fun of crafting their own costume. No worries if you are not a master –a little duct tape and a stapler can go a long way. And if you are still not ready to take the leap, visit etsy.com for a whole bunch of handmade costumes. We love this ‘Max’ costume, pricey, but a-dorable!
	2. The Bag No need to buy a special trick-or-treat bag for the occasion; a pillowcase, a reusable tote, or last year’s plastic pumpkin will do. But if you are looking to acquire a keepsake bag, support a good cause while you are at it with this Trick-or-Treat tote from FEED. A portion of each purchase helps feed the hungry.
	3. The Treats This is a tough one. It’s sooo easy to go out and buy one of those giant bulk bags of candy, but it’s also a great opportunity to introduce some healthy treats and inspired goodies to the neighborhood. For more ideas check out the extensive list available at Green Halloween.
	4. The Decorations Opt for natural, handcrafted, biodegradable, or reusable decorations this year and skip the plastic. A pair of dad’s old jeans and a flannel shirt stuffed with leaves with a pumpkin on top makes for a frightful and frugal show piece. Employ your kids to carve jack-o-lanterns, craft paper bats, and string cobwebs. These colorful kitui baskets filled with fall flowers or apples make a festive centerpiece and can be used year round.

Happy Halloween!

or for grown-ups like us who may be slightly enamored with alphabet posters…

Petit Collage – $50/$120; fun factor: key on bottom with all the animal names. elements: hand-printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper; maple hardwood frames handcrafted in the U.S.A. with a no-VOC finish.

Nature Alphabet Poster by Children Inspire Design – $28/$40; fun factor – 26 cute and colorful critter collages; elements: printed on New Leaf recycled card stock with soy inks; packaged with recycled materials.

Animal Alphabet by ModernPop – $38; fun factor: multiple fonts with a splash of retro kitsch; elements: printed on radiant white watercolor paper with vivid color reproduction and archival pigment inks.

Letterpress Alphabet Poster by sycamorestreetpress – $35; fun factor – tangerine and aqua!! ; elements: printed by hand on a vintage letterpress with soy ink and 100% cotton paper in Utah.

Alphabet Signed Print by Alfabetika – $38.89; fun factor – goofy letter characters. elements: made in Paris; 5% of purchase is donated to UNICEF.

Strawberry Luna – $18 each, or 3 for $40; fun factor: a cute way to display babies initials; hand printed with grey water based acrylic inks on archival, cotton rag Stonehenge papers.

Alphabet of Design Classics – $50; fun factor: for the modern design obsessed! elements: digital print on matte finished digital paper glued to heavy stock black mat cardboard by hand.

The Penny Paper Co. Alphabet Print – $15 ; fun factor: add your name at the top and choose your color palette. elements: printed on photographic archival paper for the brightest of colours and longevity, fits in an IKEA Ribba Frame.

Colorful Modern Alphabet Poster by KimsCustomGifts – $ ; fun factor: playful, colorful icons and you can change any or all of the colors. elements: purchase the digital file and print it yourself or pay to have them print it for you.

Animal Alphabet by englishmuffin – $30; fun factor: boxes full of color, animals, words and letters, oh my. elements: printed on a heavy weight 100% recycled paper with a matte finish, using archival inks. fits in pre-matted IKEA Ribba frame.

Modern Alphabet Print by Grace Hester Designs – $ fun factor: cool graphics in an unexpected blue, brown, and green color palette. elements: printed on archival-quality photographic paper with a lustre finish for longevity.

I am inordinately excited about this, and just a little bit jealous of Austin residents! In-gredients, the first package-free and zero waste grocery store in the United States, is scheduled to open up at 2610 Manor Road in Austin, Texas. (As an aside, after researching Austin for the upcoming SXSW ECO Conference, it is a pretty cool city — a super-green, eco/indie oasis smack in the heart of Texas…)

In-gredients plans to sell “all the basic ingredients you need for life (and most recipes)” which includes organic meats, dairy, baking goods, cooking oils, spices, grains, seasonal produce, wine, beer (b.y.o growlers and wine bottles) and cleaning products. They hopes to source as much of their inventory as possible from local farmers and vendors. And since it’s all packaging-free (or packaging light – FDA required), customers are encouraged to bring reusable containers from home to fill up with goods. They will have compostable containers on hand, but best to bring your own. Click to continue »