Posts Tagged ‘Green’

For many of us, survival depends on avoiding our kitchen. Rather than give our Viking range a workout, we take full advantage of restaurant deliveries, take-out and prepared (often overpriced) food from the local gourmet market. So the idea of giving up all of that is nothing short of frightening. But that’s exactly what one twenty-something in Brooklyn did.

Blogger and author Cathy Erway wanted to save money, consume less and eat more renewable sources. So she embarked on a culinary adventure in sustainability, chronicling her experiences in a blog, Noteatingoutinny.com. Swearing off restaurants, Erway took to communal dining, trash diving and dating sans the restaurant scene.

Her recently published memoir/cookbook, The Art of Eating In: How I Learned to Stop Spending and Love the Stove, expands on her journey. The book is filled with recipes and stories of her two-year “experiment.” Bottom line: She was eventually reminded of the simple pleasures of cooking her own meals and sharing with friends.

Get going. Your stove awaits …

Available at Amazon.com

Even parents who shell out for organic cotton rompers and unbleached diapers usually fall down in the dress-up department. Yes, when a plastic pirate sword or sparkly cape your kid clamors for costs $7 at Target, it’s tough to say no–unless you realize that gorgeous, eco- and labor-friendly versions of the same items are online. The extra money is worth the lowered guilt. And the Earth, and the people on it will thank you for playing green.

Fairy Finery should be on your bookmark list for pretend play. Costumes and accessories are made in the U.S. by an ethical company that uses quality materials. Particularly choice: Fairy Finery’s soft toy sword, a cushy version of the plastic staple of pirate, knight, and “bad guy” games. Let the kids whack each other all they like with these soft swords, which have gorgeous, comfortable handles and natural wool blend felt over a sponge interior.

A Toy Garden is another bookmark to hold onto, with an inspiring collection of fairy costumes, princess hats and dresses, and capes, including this gorgeous dragon cape. Like all of Toy Garden’s wares, this cape is sewn by manufacturers certified by the Fair Trade Federation, and shipped in recycled packaging. The work-at-home mom who runs A Toy Garden even admits to dumpster diving to get packing materials. Many of Toy Garden’s goods are bought directly from the artisans who make them. This one is made in Sri Lanka, but you can be assured that it was made by workers making a fair wage and working fair hours.

Nova Naturals has a selection of stuff from the usual suspects (Sarah’s Silks, who makes a very popular line of princess wear and play silks), as well as more unusual accoutrement. Like this hand-crocheted “chain mail” hood, constructed of cotton yarn by artisans in Nepal. It’s soft and cozy yet looks fierce and warlike. That same kid you got the soft sword for will be over the moon.

Your pre-preggo days may have been eco-friendly, but now that baby’s on the way it’s all about no-VOC nursery paint, BPA-free bottles and hypoallergenic belly balm. Even with swollen feet, you want to minimize your carbon footprint.

German baby line Hessnatur recently introduced its organic maternity collection to the States. The 30-year-old brand based on all-natural fibers now includes casual-chic clothing like cargo pants, pj’s, turtlenecks, tees and tights that actually fit your bump (designer Miguel Adrover oversees a portion of the women’s wear). With even more winter ahead, especially appropriate is a cozy poncho sweater, made of Turkish cotton and Australian wool — the over-the-head design lets you move freely without struggling to toggle a trench coat over your tummy.

Now that’s friendly.

Available at hess-natur.com.

Summer birthday parties are a snap — if there’s a sprinkler and ice cream, the kids are in heaven.

Theme-wise, you’ve already done dinosaurs, Dora and dragons. So make this year’s agenda the environment: Little Star Creative Parties provides all the eco-friendly supplies for a birthday backyard bash, from banners and tablecloths to wrapping paper and party favors. Pint-sized guests will think it’s cool to eat cake from bamboo plates and blow out the beeswax candles.

Party on.

Available at littlestarcreativeparties.com.

You’ve turned green with eco-friendliness when it comes to anything for your newborn. But what about your skin?

Honeydew’s maternity skincare is paraben and preservative-free, and full of natural ingredients like calendula, evening primrose and oats that will get you through those precious months. Try the clean-smelling belly balm that glides on deodorant-style, or the soothing leg and foot lotion scented with a hint of mint.

It’ll suit you.

Available at honeydewskincare.com.

All the warnings you ever heard about lead in toys come flooding back to you the minute your see your young chef sticking a Made in China play spoon in his mouth. Ever wondered why the box his cookware came in had a “Warning: Not for use with real food” sticker on it?

A safer option is Green Toys’ beautifully basic Cookware and Dining Set ($40), made from recycled milk jugs and other plastics and containing no traceable phthalates or BPA. They’re unpainted, so you needn’t worry about lead, and they’re durable and safe enough to be used to hold real food. Tea parties without fear! What a wonderful world we live in.

Available at WoodenHorseToys.com.