update!

Green and Greener has increased the discount to 10% off your mattress; refer a friend who purchases a mattress with the non-profit donation special and you'll get you an extra 5% back (that's a savings of up to $420!) Sweet!

"Do Well By Doing Good"

I told our friend Alegre we would spread the good word on a promotion they currently are running at her shop Green and Greener... D and I are in the market for a new mattress - and are going to bring in our donation to the Parent Group at our elementary school.

"DO WELL BY DOING GOOD" SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON MATTRESSES
Bring in proof of a $50 or more donation to a non-profit that benefits the environment, children or animals and you'll get 5% off your mattress; refer a friend who purchases a mattress with the non-profit donation special and you'll get you an extra 5% back (that's a savings of up to $280!) **(see below for full details)

You can come check out the latex/wool/cotton mattresses carried in store...they feel like a dream. They are made in Southern California out of 100% natural latex foam (latex is from the rubber tree) that is wrapped in organic cotton to start and can be customized to include Pure Grow wool. You can also order inner-spring mattresses if you prefer, although they prefer the latex to inner spring though because 1) no pressure points, 2) they are anti-dust mite and other allergens, 3) they last more than twice as long and 4) no EMF radiation because no metal parts.

**Donation must be to a registered 501(c)(3) and a copy of the donation receipt on organization's letterhead must be dated on or after January 1, 2010 and be shown to Green and Greener employee at the time of purchase. Each $50+ donation is good towards the purchase of one mattress. This offer is good through December 31, 2010.

what do you think?

Sinking in paper? At $400 do you think this thing would be worth it?



NeatDesk


Oh - and thank you Qubo for introducing it to the girls - who in turn introduced it to me :)

Good for Pottery Barn Kids

I was wandering through Pottery Barn Kids after dinner out last night and spotted a new line of organic Dr Seuss bedding. Organic kids bedding is not so unusual now - right? But what was more impressive was the packaging - there was none except for a piece of twill tape and label. You can find more information from their website outlining even more changes the company is making. I also picked up some *glass* drinking glasses for the kid. I've been looking for some for a while but couldn't find anything other than plastic.

Stubby Pencil Studio

I discovered Stubby Pencil Studio through Soule Mama and Angry Chicken. At last, a eco art supplies resource! I ordered a bunch of stuff for holiday presents and I couldn't be happier.

The Ecologic Colored Pencils in the wooden box are really beautiful, and the
Clipper Junior Tri Pencils just look fantastic.

Hand it Down

Launch of a new website:
www.handmedowns.com

A place to buy, sell, give or donate gently-used children's clothing, gear, and more...

via dailycandy kids

Heath(en)

I love Heath ceramics. Am absolutely smitten with their new kids line.


$135 at the Heath website

And oh so happy that they are opening up a shop in L.A. (Alongside another of my favourite potters, Adam Silverman.) Swoon!

Drink it up

Love this campaign. "tap - ask for it by name"

You can purchase the bottles or one of their very clever recycling kits here.

via inhabitat

Moop Kids!

I love my Moop Market Bag - so was obviously excited when they introduced their kids! line.


organic cotton bookbag $86 at moopshop.com

If you like, they will even personalize it with your child's name!

Baby Bean Vintage Daywear

I stumbled upon Baby Bean Vintage Daywear at a neighborhood childrens store a few weeks ago and I have to tell you I'm completely smitten. Started by Christine Visneau in 2004, each collection is "crafted from and inspired by" vintage fabrics and handmade by Christine and a few stay at home moms in Dallas, Texas.



Most of all I love the simpleness of the silhouettes combined with the fun of the vintage fabrics.

Eden’s Green Closet

This weekend we dropped by the grand opening of Eden’s Green Closet on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA. The brainchild of Emily Blakeney, this children's eco store specializes in recycled children's clothing and new organic children's fashion and products. Think of it as a Buffalo Exchange for kids.



If you are a thriftier, like we are, it's fantastic! All the work has been done for you. Emily handpicks every item in the store. Her criteria? “Would I put it on my daughter?” We had a great time going through the racks of cute duds and you can be sure we will be back, not only to buy more, but to resell some of our own kid’s outgrown clothes.



Emily from Eden's Green Closet. Go sell her your kid's (nicely) used clothes.

Shut Up and Drive

Finally, some organic bedding and clothes for kids with a little bit of attitude. Pixel Organics has a line of "supercharged" organic cotton sheets even my five-year-old would be impressed with.















I'm also loving the Scary Fish receiving blanket, beanie, and pants.
















Via ecofabulous.

Organic Teething Mushroom

Made from 100% certified organic Egyptian cotton.

Who wouldn't want to chew on this?

$6 at babystyle

Pom-Pom Cap

Hand made from organic merino wool

$24 at shescrafty

Greener Stationary

I'm always on the lookout for better choices for stationary and supplies. I recently found these "kinder" pencils at two local shops.



Forrest Choice is a company based in Stockton, California and they produce pencils from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. I found mine at my local Whole Foods but they have an online shop. The colored pencils would be great for kids and you can buy 12 boxes for $29 if you wanted to go the party favor route.

The box I have states the pencils are made in Thailand which takes the shine off a little but if you live in the UK you have Remarkable.

They again have colored pencils made out of "good wood" or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. They also have pencils made from recycled CD cases, video cassettes, plastic cups and boxes and on and on. Best of all they make all kinds of office supplies. It looks like they make the products right there in Worcester in the Remarkable Factory. I can't tell if they ship internationally but again getting these things all the way to California defeats the purpose a little. I found mine at the Reform School in Los Angeles.

Let us know about other green stationary you buy and use.

Reduce Reuse Recycle...

My kids have become obsessed with the 3 r's. Pointing out to me each time we successfully take one on. (Reusing the milk pitcher as a bird seed scoop before putting it into the blue can scores big points!) Yes, we have even been spotted sorting the neighbors trash for them. (With L.A.'s new guidelines we want to make sure that everyone is doing all they can!) And most of their clothes come as hand-me-downs or thrift shop finds. (Lucky girls at the bottom of a line of 11 granddaughters to my mother-in-law!)

In our constant hunt for bargains, and our making a point to reuse, we are going to try and make it to annual LA Kids Consignment Sale this weekend in Van Nuys. Held twice a year, the sale features more than 20,000 new and gently used kid items from babyhood to teens. Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday. Bargain hunters should note that on Sunday, items are 50 percent off. And pull the piggy bank down off the shelf - all sales are cash only. Seville Hall, 7963 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys. 818-693-3183.

(thanks Judy!)

ring ring - hello?

shopping for a new phone

sam ended up with this corded phone -



a good green choice (as you don't need to plug it into an electrical outlet you can feel confident it isn't being an energy suck!)


and i am now looking -

unless we went with two telephones - which i really didn't want to do.
we needed cordless. we tried to think we didn't. but we do. (save putting in another jack - which we will look into when we do some other electrical in the bedroom.)

this was touted in a recent magazine article for its shutting down of all extra energy consumption when not in use (stand-by mode so to speak)and came with an extra dock to plug in (which we won't use.) though i can't find mention of this feature anywhere else. hmmmm...

i also am thiking about sony. very impressed with their recent move to recycle their products without charge. (check if you have a drop-off location near you here.)

now to look into a greener telephone service provider. (info on some options over at idea bite.)

what are you dialing?

Nightlights for Kids

I've been looking for a night light for the little one's room. We now have a vintage globe light but I've suddenly started obsessing about the wiring. Some of these are more greener than others but I thought I'd share what I've found and like and ask if anyone has any recommendations.

Candleloo $39 for 2
You all know about this one. Rechargable batteries.



Sun in a Jar $48 (via AT Nursery)
Solar cell inside, along with a rechargeable battery and low energy LED lamps.





Luau Portable Lamp $250
I realy want this! I've seen it at my local DWR and it's beautiful. But at this price - I don't think so. 36-bulb LED pack and rechargeable NiMH batteries.



Shroom Light $79
Shades are manufactured by one of the last remaining millineries in the USA. Compact fluorescent light bulb.




TykeLight $20 (via AT Nursery)
Rechargable.

Made in America (Toys)

While channel hoping recently I landed on the Travel Channel's Made in America. For those who don't know this is the show where John Ratzenberger drives around the US in a bus, visiting people who make American goods. The show I saw featured Marble King in West Virginia.

Glass marbles are one of those objects of desire for me. I had no idea this place existed despite their claim to be "The World's Best Known, Best Loved Marbles". But I know where I am going for stocking stuffers for the holidays this year.

I don't know how environmentally responsible King Marble is but I like the idea of not adding to America's trade deficit by buying from home.

Do you have any favorite made in America toys?

Links
Made in America
How to Play Marbles (UK)
How to Play Marbles (ehow.com)

Surf's Up

adding to e's stacking doll collection - i am thinking these chickens for her. and perhaps these for me!

checking out the night sky and using stellarium to help identify what we see

enjoying a peek inside nancy mims of mod green pod's pad via designsponge. (and while you are at it check out her organic fabric selection!)

looking for some new market bags - caterin's muslin tote swap is a great idea!

swissmiss posted a guide to wrapping via the Japanese Ministry of the Environment

all new goodies at twotrees


have a lovely weekend!