17 Things

I promised a little while back that I would share more with you about the 17 things that have been found could make a very big difference if every household engaged in them. Turns out, this information is harder to find than I would like. National Geographic covered it a little bit on their blog. And if you are in for some exciting (please sense the sarcasm here) reading, you can peruse the journal article that was published on the subject.

And this all brings me back to the idea that I suggested earlier this year of 9 in 2009. As we look forward to New Year's resolutions, I ask that you look at this list again and try to find 10 for 2010. Doable?

What did you do to become kinder to the Earth this year? What are you planning for next year?

The "Key" To A Great Present

I know I have shared with you before that my husband and I don't really exchange gifts-and we don't. But this year I came up with an idea to brilliant to ignore. I wanted to give my husband a key of some sort to symbolize how he is the key to my happiness, success, etc... Has the key to my heart. And how together we can unlock the mysteries of the universe. But when I went looking for a great key, there wasn't much out there. What I could find wasn't an actual key shape, was far too expensive, wasn't made with the environment in mind, wouldn't last, or any combination of these things.

So I went back to an old standby. To be honest, I don't know why I didn't head to Etsy first, since most of what is good, I have found on there. And I hit the jackpot with Savage Salvage's Shipwrecked Relics pendant. This beautifully masculine creation consists of a salvaged vintage key (protected) and layered on top of an old ivory piano key hung on a vintage brass chain.

To make things even better, it shipped quickly in reused packaging including a darling little box gift wrapped in old sheet music! My husband loves the significance and the piece and it makes me happy every time I see it on him.

If you are in the mood or market for something unique, I would suggest keeping Savage Salvage (and Etsy in general) in mind.

Green Gift Guide: The Final Installment

I feel like now that I have done my due diligence in sharing our family gifting ideas, I can share with you the final installment of the Green Gift Guide. After all, I know a lot of people still have names to cross off the list and if you order soon, everything should arrive in time!

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A previous gift guide mentioned my love of the concept of wrapping in reusable. Here is another great way, especially for the crafter, quilter, or seamstress in your life. Use these fabric wraps to literally add a little something to your beautiful present.

An alternative to the cardboard sleeve, this handisleeve allows for a reusable option, a handle, and a little bit of a fashion statement at the same time.

Cloth napkins-A. Fair trade cloth napkins-A+. Beautiful fair trade cloth napkins-yes, please! And just a thought, you could also use these to wrap small treasures!

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I just listened to a radio program the other day on the lost art of letter writing. There is something so quaint and sentimental about staying in touch through written word. And if you use this wax seal with soy wax and recycled paper, you are a charming green relic of times past.

A new (and useful) take on the reusable bag, these two sided totes are helpful for the planet and those stylish shoppers on your list.

Oh, how I love upcycling. Have I mentioned this? How adorable are these upcycled, handcrafted clocks? That one is my favorite!

I love a beautiful snarky shirt. I really love this one from Kitten in the Engine. Go visit and pick out your favorite design for the clever girl in your life.

This cute (and BPA + Phthalate free) lunch box encourages creativity and environmental awareness for kids. A great gift for the hungry little ones in your life.

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I have tried a few products from Bubble & Bee and am always amazed by the diversity of their skin and body care. I love the idea of receiving (or giving) this sleigh full of personalized organic body care. Now 25% off!

This handcrafted light fixture from Brazilian artisans could definitely make my list and a couple of my rooms. Check out the whole collection.

I hope you enjoyed the Green Gift Guide series. I certainly loved sharing them with you! So now, please share...what are you gifting this season???

Our Holiday Giving

There is a lot of chatter out there in the green interweb about gifting. Where to buy? What to buy? If to buy? There are so many opinions and perspectives out there to consider...and as this is my blog...let me give you a few more. Here is my take on our family holiday gifting.

• Probably our most controversial gift policy by far is our policy for the kids. We only get the kids 3(ish) things. 1. Is a fun gift of their choice. I try to get this fair trade/recycled/handmade if possible. 2. Is an educational gift-sometimes of their choice. Same story here. 3. A gift to a charity or gift of volunteering-eventually of their choice as they get old enough. Our thinking here is that our kids will get plenty of gifts and will inevitably have the most fun with the box. We feel the gift of sustainable thinking every year is one in and of itself.
• On the topic of regifting: I do it. I think it's a good idea if it is done with thoughtfulness. So if you are on my gift list, you may be regifted. But please know I do it with the very best intentions for you and the planet. If I can't regift it and I won't use it/love it-it gets consigned to someone who will. No offense.
• We have taken to giving all our extended family, photographs for Christmas. The year we started, we gave a nice frame with them and each year we refill the frame. This allows us to keep to a budget and be environmentally conscious at the same time we bring joy (hopefully) to our family.
• If you read regularly, you know that I don't like to buy new, but I realize sometimes it's the "best" option. When I have to do it, I try to do good with it. I buy local, handmade, organic, recycled, or from someone like Ethical Superstore, or through something like igive which allows you to make a donation with each purchase.
• This is the first year we have done an advent calendar and the boys LOVE it! I really adore the idea of advent calendar but hate the idea of purchasing nick nacks for each day. So I was thrilled when a friend gave me the idea to put a fun family activity in each day. So far we have had hot cocoa with peppermint stirrers, gone Christmas light spotting, send holiday cards to our friends, watched a Christmas movie, gone to a holiday parade, etc...Not only are we not buying more stuff, we are creating quality time and memories with our family.

I would love to hear from you on some of your creative holiday ideas that are great for your family and the Earth! What are you doing to have true spirit this holiday?

How Crafty

I am not a crafty person (Believe me, I've tried. I have the hot glue gun burn scars to prove it). But I was reminded this weekend how much I enjoy craftiness when I engaged in the annual post-Thanksgiving craft show with my mother-in-law. She has been going for 20 years or so and I have joined her the past couple to bask in the creativity of others. She has one vendor she makes sure to hit first every year. These three sisters take old items and paint them to upcycle them into adorable and one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations. The globe above and "Dear Santa" wall hanging below are both from these crafters. I also had the opportunity to meet a local Michigan artist who upcycles old magazines, art papers, and books into beautiful purses. Someday when I don't have to carry a diaper bag, I am getting one. Most of all, this craft show reminded me how cool it is to get something unique and special to pass down through generations. Even cooler is meeting the people who made these things with their own hands, often using recycled materials. If you get a chance this holiday season, try to do some of your shopping with crafters and artisans. It's a warm fuzzy feeling.

Green Gift Guide: Part 2

The Green Gift Guide is back with part 2. I hope you are enjoying exploring what's out there as much as I am!

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I have told you before about the wonderful historic mint farm. Now in addition to getting your organic peppermint and spearmint oils, you can also get organic lip balm!

There is nothing in A Bushel and A Peck that I don't love. But since I got shorter hair (I donated 9 inches!) I really am lusting after these hair pins. They are on my wish list and I don't know many ladies that wouldn't love them.

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And because I love A Bushel and A Peck so much I am including another item, which I personally wouldn't mind receiving this year. This apron is so beautiful you hardly want to get it dirty, but at least you'll look cute doing it.

I have mentioned how much I love tea before. So when I saw this organic Green & White tea set from Rishi's Tea I was sold. Especially considering that I just read an article on how drinking green tea can help your skin be beautiful. Yes, please.

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It hasn't snowed yet here in Michigan, but it's only a matter of time. And I know a number of places have already seen some. So people are in search of boots. Planet Shoes offers this eco-friendly, yet stylish pair made from organic, reused, and sustainable sources.

One of the things I love about shopping for green gifts is the ingenuity one finds. Like this purse made from an upcycled cigar box! Brilliant and beautiful!

Green Gift Guide: Part 1

As we enter the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to start posting some green gift ideas in different price categories. Sometimes I think we just get so caught up in the shopping hoopla that we forget there are fun, eco-friendly ideas out there too! So with that I present you with the Green Gift Guide: Part 1.

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Greenfield Paper Company

Here you will find not only journals and sketch books made from hemp paper and ruled in soy ink, but the 100% recycled wrapping paper to present them in.

Bedol Water Powered Clock

Powered by salt water and totally portable, these little clocks are perfect for those in your life who need a little more time.

Wrap It Up

No matter what you are giving, consider the wrapping. And then consider wrapping your gift in a reusable bag, like this one from Baggu.

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Recycled leather and wool gloves.

I think that these are

1. Adorable 2. Look ultra warm 3. Are a relatively guilt-free way to wear animal products

Adorable Molly M Lasercut Jewelry

Made from sustainable bamboo and recycled suede, felt, and wool. This jewelry looks good and does good. Get striking designs like the one above or these branches.

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Viridis Luxe Couture Hemp Clothing

It's pricey and somewhat hard to find. But most of it is uber cute and it's made with the very sustainable hemp.

Composter

I am including a composter on the list because there are so many friends I know who live in the suburbs and would compost if only they had an "easy" way. This composter is that easy way and one of the best investments you can make for the Earth.

The sky is the limit

At websites like, Tis Best, you can purchase your loved one a gift card, the entire amount which will be donated to the charity of the recipient's choice.

The Gift of Water

If you are wondering why you haven't heard from me in a while, I have two words for you-swine flu. Yup. While traveling to and from DC for a conference (and not taking great care of myself), I got the big bad and have been in bed barely able to function since. So hopefully I will be on the mend soon and back with a green holiday gift guide! Get excited!

In the meantime, I leave you with this. Before you buy anything (more?) this holiday season, I ask you to consider giving the first gift of clean water to those who really need it. Here I am day in and out trying to get us greener, and we sometimes forget that some people don't even have the most basic of earthly gifts, clean water. I know times are tight for all but just $10 is all they are asking for to really help save lives. If you can, please do.

Natural Home Products

I have been in need of some measuring cups. And I have tried the consignment store and Craigslist to no avail. So when I was at Target the other day, I decided to take a look at what they had. It was like a little present to discover these Natural Home measuring spoons for the same price as the other spoons being offered (around $14).

These spoons are made of at least 93% recycled stainless steel and natural (fast-growing) bamboo. They are from a line of products from "Natural Home" magazine. I quickly learned from the tag (the only packaging and printed on recycled paper) that they support safe and healthy work environments, fair labor practices, and environmental protection! And if that wasn't enough, a portion of proceeds goes towards American Forests to help offset the carbon footprint used to manufacture and transport the product! Seriously!?! Does it get better?

Well for you it does! Because you can now register to win the entire line of Natural Home products! Hop on over there and get registered. And if any of you happens to subscribe to this magazine I would love to hear about your experience. I think I am going to have to get myself on that list!

P.S. I tried to find y'all a link to purchase the spoons but it appears my Target carries the only set :( Ok, not really, but I couldn't find a link anywhere! So if anyone comes across one, please share!

Birthday Bird House

This past weekend I had the blissful opportunity to escape the land of men and boys that is my home and belatedly celebrate my birthday with some great friends. These dear friends, Julie and Debbie, tease me every year that they have so much trouble finding a present for me each year. Of course their shining personalities and loving friendship are plenty, but this year they went above and beyond and hit the jackpot.

They found this lovely birdhouse at a craft show. Look at it! There is nothing on it that isn't upcycled! From the Michigan license plate roof, to the belt and hook hanger, to the door knob perch, everything about it is PERFECTLY reused! Isn't it great? Has anyone else seen anything like this? Made anything like this? If you are looking to get something or give something like this, this holiday season, check out Etsy which has quite a few different versions to peruse.

Buy It Used Home Tour: Last Day Loft

On this last day of the tour, I will take you upstairs to our loft. This is about 300 sq. feet of space we use to hang out, watch videos, and as a spare bedroom. The daybed above was mine in my childhood home.

This couch was given to us by my dad and stepmom. The table and lamp next to it were swooped up that sale I mentioned on previous days. That was a good sale!

Finally, this chest is something I found on Ebay for $40. It houses all of our board games. It's the perfect storage/coffee table combo. You can find chests like this for sale at almost any thrift store in almost any style to suit your home.

Well, that's it for the tour. Hope you enjoyed!