Pinterest is a great inspiration tool. We’ve spent hours of, ahem, research on Pinterest and come up with these 10 amazing upcycling project ideas!

1. Garden Hose Doormat

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of a leaky garden hose, you can follow these directions to upcycle it by creating a durable, waterproof, easily washable doormat.  This would be a great addition to a summer home if you’re constantly washing sand off your feet and want to avoid the muddy ground on the walk back inside.

2. Homemade Paper Baskets from Grocery Bags

It always feels like a shame to discard paper bags, when there are so many ways to use them, but because they tend to accumulate into unmanageable mountains underneath your kitchen sink, why not transform them into neat little baskets for fruits, muffins, or other small objects.  This pin shows you how to weave small containers from paper grocery bags, a fun activity for a rainy day while you watch a movie and dream about the delicious strawberries and banana breads these little baskets will hold.

3. Ottoman from an old Tire

You’d never guess that this ottoman used to be a dirty car tire.  The designer of this DIY project was in love with a similar rope cord ottoman costing almost $600 and decided to create her own version, which she calls the Ottire.  Pinterest has countless projects for turning tires into different kinds of ottomans, including ottomans with crocheted covers or leather cushions.

4. Salt and Pepper Shakers from Jam Jars

Wondering what to do with empty jam jars? Follow the directions from this pin and create cute salt and pepper shakers in minutes.  These are great for a picnic on the beach or an outdoor dining area, just tape over the holes when you throw them in your basket or beach bag.

5. Coffee Table made from a Chest

If you’re looking for a way to use an old trunk, why not upcycle it into a unique, rustic coffee table.  This pin describes the one simple step needed to convert a trunk into an affordable addition to your living room.

6. Bleach Pen T-shirts

This pin shows you how to give old t-shirts new life with bleach pens. This would be a great activity for a summer block party or birthday. You can create one-of-a-kind designs and have fun upcycling old clothes at the same time.

7. Wine Cork Bath Mat

No need to throw out used wine corks with this project.  With five steps you can upcycle corks to create a distinctive and practical bath mat.  This inexpensive mat brightens up a bathroom in a summer beach house and could be used outside or inside.

8. Biodegradable Planting Pots from Newspapers

This is an easy and cheap way to create organic planters for your summer herb, vegetable, or flower garden.  Follow this pin to fold newspaper into biodegradable planters that you can put in the ground and leave to decompose.  This makes it simple to organize your gardens and label the individual planters with the names of different plants.

9. Magnetic Chalkboard from a Vintage Mirror

This is a fun way to upcycle any mirror you no longer need, and works best with vintage mirrors in interesting frames.  This pin includes instructions for a magnetic chalkboard, which can be used in cafes, kitchens, wedding receptions, and in countless other ways.

10. Tin Can Vertical Wall Garden

If you’re short on space and have more empty coffee canisters than you can store, then this is a good summer project for you.  You can paint them or leave them with their original designs for a whimsical look.  This pin shows that you can also use one gallon pizza sauce cans if you want to water your plants less often.  Have fun with the placement and designs of the cans and use walls and fences to plant whatever summer plants you can’t find space for on the ground.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Whether you’ve been carefully watching your calendar or just looking out the window, you might have noticed that spring is almost here. Now is the perfect time to get your family excited about the great outdoors. Enjoying time outside is a perfect budget-friendly, Earth-loving way to spend time with your family. This spring, try something different. Check out our list of 22 different family outdoor activities to get you started.

Close to Home

1. Backyard Camping – A great, no hassle way to introduce the joy of camping to your kids, and if they need some extra convincing you can always throw some s’mores in to sweeten the deal.

2. Start a Garden — Get your hands a little dirty and open your eyes to the potential of your own backyard. You’ll get a great source of fresh vegetables, spices plus beautiful scenery.

3. Build a Worm Compost Bin — Use worms to turn your fruit and vegetable scraps into great fertilizer for your garden by following a few simple steps.

4. Catch Fireflies — Turn off your outside lights and get your glass jars ready with air holes. Make sure to create a firefly-friendly environment by avoiding lawn chemicals and releasing them after the show.

5. Leaf Matching Game — Pick up leaves around your neighborhood and see if you can match them to their trees. You can also take bark rubbings with a crayon and paper to create a tree book!

6. Bug Hunt — You can be sure that your family will be amazed at what is living under the rocks in your own backyard. See how many different kinds you can find.

7. Build a Fort — Recycle old boxes or create a tepee with fallen branches and a sheet for hours of outdoor adventure.

8. Set up a Hammock — Spend some quality time swinging a beautiful afternoon away.

9. Blow Bubbles — You can even make your own eco-friendly bubbles!

Crafty

10. Nature Story Book — Go for a walk and document or draw all of the plants and animals that you see.

11. Keep a Moon Journal — Draw a circle for every day and then each night go outside and try to fill in the moon shape in your journal.

12. Make a Pine Cone Bird Feeder — A fun way to keep your backyard full of feathered friends. All it takes is these easy steps.

13. Create a Sidewalk Masterpiece — Make your own eco-friendly sidewalk chalk and get creative!

14. Build a Water Scope — Help your kids observe the wonders of the underwater world with a homemade water scope.

Out and About

15. Go Geocoaching — Sign up for free at geocoaching.com, search for the caches in your area, grab your GPS and your bikes and go on an adventure!

16. Go Birdwatching — Start a “life list” of all of the birds that you have seen and identified.

17. Go for a Hike — Nothing beats a little exercise. Find trails in state and national parks, as well as in your own backyard.

18. Have a Picnic — Pack up some munchies and head to a local park for an afternoon of fun.

19. Teach Your Children How to Swim — Head out to your local pool and offer your children an invaluable and possibly life-saving skill.

20. Dance in the Rain — Don’t let a little water ruin your fun. Throw on some rain boots and head out to dance and sing, and see how full your rain collection barrel is getting.

21. Go Fruit Picking — Take a trip to your favorite berry picking spot or a local orchard to see what’s in season and fresh for the picking.

22. Visit a Nature Center — Have a family wildlife learning experience when you explore your local nature center.

So, there you have it. Plenty of reasons to enjoy nature this spring, not to mention a great way to provide your kids with priceless memories that will cement their appreciation for the outdoors for the rest of their lives.

What other great family outdoor games or ideas do you have?

Image credits: Foto76, Franky242, photostock, John Collins

Despite the general consensus, mothers can be hard to shop for. So hard that maybe we sometimes wait too long and then end up getting her something less thoughtful then we would’ve liked. Seriously? You got her flowers again? Don’t procrastinate this year. Izzit is here to help with some great suggestions that speak specifically to your mom’s lifestyle.

1. For the Manicured Mom on the Go

Pamper your mother with the luxurious Handbag Essentials by Amala. An organic skincare company that uses only premium 100% natural ingredients that work with your body to get results.  The entire lavish collection is crafted in their carbon-neutral laboratory in Germany and is certified by NaTrue, the only skincare company with that claim. This convenient kit packs a hydrating hand cream, rejuvenating hand balm and soothing lip slave into an iPhone size mini valise that’s lined with deluxe organic hemp. Nothing but the best organic jasmine, coco bean and desert fig are included to give her the smoothest, most youthful hands and lips even when she’s out and about. Because she’s worth it.

2. For the Mom Who Has Everything

Usually the best gifts for someone who has everything are unique and functional. The Love Box by Pelcor is definitely both. A beautiful gift box filled with cards that combine Pelcor’s signature cork skin cover with fine white paper. The sustainable and artful cards are adorned in gold with Love, Amor, Amour and Amore to give an international flavor to the divine craftsmanship of this extraordinary piece. This premium, Portuguese brand makes nothing but the best for your mom and it shows with every letter that she sends.

3. For the Coffee-Loving Mom

You can probably remember a time when you told your Mother that coffee was disgusting and that you would never drink it like she does. She probably smiled her knowing smile, and most likely years later the old adage “Mother knows best” came true for the millionth time. The Camano Island Coffee Lover’s club is the perfect way to give Mom the benefit of she told you so, through the gift that keeps on giving. Each month she’ll receive super premium brew and think each time of you. Camano Island coffee is shade grown for lower acidity, 100% certified organic, free trade, and uses only the top 1% of all beans for the honest to God best coffee around. Plus, thanks to our partnership she can now get 1 lb free, and then 35% off retail price and free shipping on all subsequent shipments!

4. For the High-Tech Mom

Help Mom protect her Apple companion with a case that’s as unique as she is. Ethnotek iPad mini and MacBook Pro cases are socially responsible pieces of art that are handmade by artisans and showcase the unique cultures of their countries like Vietnam, Ghana and Guatemala. Padded for impact resistance and lined with fuzzy stuff to prevent scratches and clean, these gallery-worthy pieces are functional as well as striking. She’ll love the attention she gets at her favorite coffee shop or on the train, plus each piece is a rare part of a single-batch run, making it the perfect special gift for her special day.

Image Credit: Amala, Pelcor, Camano Island Coffee, Ethnotek, Clare Bloomfield

It’s that time of year again for everyone to come together to help Mother Nature; that’s right, it’s Earth Day time! This day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. I’m not sure what first comes to your mind when you think about Earth Day, but from my past experiences I tend to focus on planting trees and picking up garbage in my local community. Although this is exactly what should be done on this occasion, we need to expand our thinking to include the little creatures near and dear to us.  Going green isn’t just for people. Pets as well as pet owners can help protect the environment we all share.

It is estimated that every cat causes half a ton, and each dog causes 1.75 tons of greenhouse emissions every year. When I was researching simple ways for you to help resolve this issue, I came across a cool article called “Ask the Vet: Your pets can go green, too” by Dr. Ray Cahill that highlights nine simple ways for you to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint.

1. Try to purchase pet foods that come in easily recycled containers.

2. If you purchase pet foods that are manufactured closer to where you live, you will be selecting products that required less fossil fuel for transport.

3. When possible, choose pet foods that use organic ingredients since such ingredients are produced without drugs, hormones or pesticides.

4. Do not use plastic bags to scoop up after your pet. Use more environmentally friendly options like a paper bag or a biodegradable container.

5. Consider purchasing pet toys and accessories that are made from non-plastic natural materials or recycled products.

6. Use eco-friendly cat litter and pan liners.

7. When cleaning up after your pet, avoid harsh chemicals and use natural, biodegradable cleaners.

8. Consider composting your pet’s waste. You can create your own system or use an already existing pet waste compost unit.

9. Finally, when you’re looking for a new pet, consider adopting from a shelter or a breed-specific rescue organization.

Let Earth Day be your excuse to start following some of these easy rules, but really try to make these changes a habit. I think you’ll find it’s amazing how a few simple adjustments to minimize your pet’s impact on the environment can really add to the greater good. And if you are looking to fill your shopping cart with some cool green pet gear, hop on over to Izzit’s Pets section.

Image Credit: Better Buddies, OloveDog, Sweet Crisis

One of the great things about kids is that they can be incredibly honest, sometimes startlingly so. Without the mess of proper etiquette and social awareness to get in their way, they say exactly what’s on their mind. They aren’t trying to spare your feelings when they say, “That was sooo good, can I have some more?” O.K. so it tastes great, but is it healthy? More and more nutritional research is pointing out the high levels of sugar in juice that could be leading to poor nutrition in children.

Honest help is on the way. From small beginnings in Bethesda, Maryland, Honest Tea has grown big by producing amazing, organic tea while staying Earth friendly. We love how, well . . .honest the company is. Honest Tea is very straight forward about its operations and product ingredients. Already established as a reputable and committed company Honest Tea put its back into a healthier, organic, “fruit-juice sweetened” kids beverage that would leave kids and adults alike asking for more. “We created Honest Kids to provide a beverage that is between juice and water,” explains Seth Goldman, president and TeaEO. Late last year the company further improved the Honest Kids pouches by removing the organic cane sugar and increasing juice content while nutritionally the drinks remain at 40 calories per serving. That means that the new Honest Kids is sweetened only with fruit juice, has half the sugar of most kids drinks and contains 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. Plus, the line is USDA certified organic, kosher, contains no GMO’s and is gluten free. Yes please.

Honest Kids is a not too-sweet juice alternative. Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick from SheKnows.com Parenting explains, “Both kids and parents love the taste. At first they may think Honest Kids are not sweet enough, but once they’ve finished a pouch, everything else tastes too sweet.” Even if you have a picky little one, there are five great flavors to please any preference:

• Goodness Grapeness- a perfect blend of organic white and Concord grape juices, made using Kosher, organic grapes from Argentina.
• Super Fruit Punch- a delicious mix of organic grape, strawberry and watermelon juices.
• Berry Berry Good Lemonade- a thirst quenching combination of organic cranberry and lemon juice.
• Tropical Tango Punch- a refreshing merger of organic white grape, mango and orange juices.
• Appley Ever After- a better version of a classic made with perfect organic apple juice.

Parents love the convenient cartons of eight pouches, but Honest Kids has become so popular that the company “received numerous requests from parents who wanted a larger package for families to enjoy at home.” As expected Honest Tea came to the rescue with a new 59 oz multi-service bottle perfect for cup after cup at home, available in Goodness Grapeness, Super Fruity Punch and Berry Berry Good Lemonade.

Aside from a great tasting, organic beverage there is a valuable lesson to be learned here. Honest Tea partners with Terracycle to provide a drink pouch collection program, so make sure to remind your kids to bring home their used Honest Kids pouches. You can easily join the drink pouch brigade for free and collect pouches, print off pre-paid shipping labels and send them in. Terracycle recycles the pouches into innovative and useful things from tote bags to outdoor furniture, and clipboards to laptop cases. There’s no minimum shipment size, but over 1,000 pouches you can start to earn points for prizes or money to send to a charity or school of your choice!

So, no need to brace yourself, serve some up! This time you’re going to love your kid’s honest verdict.

Join us on Facebook and enter to win 5 FREE cases of Honest Kids pouches!!

P.S. Sadly this giveaway has ended, but be sure to join us on Facebook to get in on the next one!

Image Credit: Honest Tea, Terracycle

Sometimes there’s nothing better than the peace that comes with the combination of repetition and silence while in nature. One foot and then the other. Again and again. No noise but the crunch of leaves under your soles and your breath ringing in your ears. Ok, sometimes my breath comes in gasps and sometimes I’m, not so gracefully, clawing my way up a muddy hill tripping over roots and rocks, but every once in awhile, it’s positively serene.

Trail running is a special sport, with unique challenges and rewards. Attempt it without correct footwear, however, and you may never reach serenity. Shoes without enough traction can leave you sliding when you should be climbing while footgear with too little protection can lead to injured toes and sore soles. Selecting the perfect trail running shoe is a very personal journey, and the terrain and conditions of your location as well as length and style of your runs all come into play. And although fit is the most important factor, the eco conscious among us also give credence to the materials and processes of the companies that make our shoes.

A Catalyst for Change

One company that really fits the bill is Brooks. Brooks is constantly working to reduce its environmental impact through both operations and product development. The company is very aware and actively tracks its GHG emissions, energy, water and materials use as well as the waste it creates and any hazardous chemicals involved in production. Brooks found that its products account for 79% of its total emissions and concentrate considerable efforts in this area.

One such effort has resulted from a hard look at their manufacturing process. In a traditional midsole manufacturing process the soles are punched from sheets leaving behind useless scrap material. Brooks, however, has found a way to reduce this waste by 50% by molding the shapes instead, saving time, labor and energy. As for the materials themselves, Brooks’ BioMogo (say that five times fast) is an innovation admired throughout the industry. By including a natural additive in their midsole compound, Brooks created a material that degrades 50 times faster than traditional midsoles once in active landfill. According to Brooks, over the next 20-25 years this feature alone will save 29.9 million pounds of landfill waste! Brooks has also made the admirable decision to share this technology with the industry. Jim Weber, CEO, comments, “We strongly believe that by sharing BioMogo with other footwear companies, and other companies in general, this technology can make an even larger impact on the world we all share.”

A Confidence-Inspiring Ride

With the Women’s Cascadia 7s trail running shoes Brooks generously sent me, I found a new assurance that allowed me to concentrate less on the trail and more on finding a rhythm, which is something I’ve always had trouble with while trail running. I found myself worrying less about stubbed toes and sharp rocks, which I can attribute mostly to the attention to protection, while the design allowed my foot to flex naturally without any twisting. Plus, Brooks has managed to pack in the perfect amount of cushioning to safeguard my knees without losing much trail-feel. This combination makes them perfect for the neutral trail runner who desires flexibility but still wants a substantial shoe. In this case, however, substantial does not have to mean clunky. These aren’t lightweight shoes, weighing in at 10.2 oz., but the Cascadia 7s have a useful talent of feeling much lighter on your feet than they are.

Part of the feathery feeling is no doubt due to the airy, breathable upper that is incredibly secure thanks to an asymmetric lacing system that eliminates heel slip and creates no pressure on the top of my foot as some other running shoes can. I was mostly impressed with the unique triangle lugs that offered great traction going uphill, downhill and on a slant. While the season didn’t allow for a run in the snow, I had the opportunity to test the 7s in slippery mud, on rocky trails and on hard road and was impressed to discover consistent performance across all conditions. This versatility and durability encouraged me to take these rugged companions on the journey of a lifetime.

Oh the Places You’ll Go

Being an inappropriately competitive person, I only run when I have a goal. My goal last December was to compete in the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon in Cambodia, a destination race that looped through the largest religious monument in the world, dating back to the 12th century. Typically it’s suggested that a runner invest in new shoes after about 300-500 miles. I had ample lead time to my race and once I ran the Cascadia 7s hundreds of miles, I was so fond of them, I bought myself a second pair. Meanwhile, I discovered my mother wearing my first pair daily on errands and to the gym!

Weeks and thousands of miles later (flown, not ran), race day didn’t exactly turn out to be everything I had hoped it would be. A crippling case of “Delhi Belly” the week before left me thankful that I could even jog the entire route. But the course was mercifully flat and shady, and even at my slower gait I enjoyed a cushy and stable ride while I  marveled at the historically fascinating and awe inspiring surroundings.

After my race, the versatility of the 7s allowed me to immediately re-commissioned them as my go-to footwear for the remainder of an “around-the-world trip”. Notice any trends here? In addition to the race, thus far my faithful companions have climbed to Annapurna Base Camp in the Himalayas of Nepal, sloshed through dark waters of a cave in northern Thailand, scrambled up muddy jungle slopes in central Malaysia, trekked to the top of an active volcano in Indonesia and kicked up dust in the Australian outback. If and/or when my 7s ever break down, I feel good about their shortened stay at a landfill, but first I can donate them for a second life to Soles4Souls or ShoeBox Recycling, that is if my mother doesn’t get a hold of them first.

Have you ever thought about what will happen to all of those discarded cell phone cases? I still have a few cases from my old cell phones, which seem like dinosaurs now compared to the iPhone! Consider all of the different mobile phones available on the market, and how fast new versions are debuted, and that more often than not previous cases are not compatible with upgraded phones. It follows that old cases are quickly becoming a significant source of waste. According to a recent U.N Telecom Agency Report, there were about 6 billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide by the end of 2011 and many people  use protective cases for their phones to defend against damage. While the benefits of safeguarding your phone are indisputable, all of these industry characteristics have the potential to pose a serious environmental problem.

A Greener Case

This is where the innovative design of biodegradable iPhone 5 cases by Innovez comes in to play. Innovez has made it their mission to develop products that “promote and educate the community about the importance of an eco-friendly lifestyle through design.” These pioneers easily differentiate themselves by incorporating advanced sustainable technologies, materials and solutions that have a positive impact on the environment. Innovez is taking steps to “save the planet one iPhone case at a time” through the use of EcoPure; a 100% organic material that is blended into the plastic during the manufacturing process. Contrary to what you may believe, EcoPure is incredibly durable and Innovez cases have an indefinite shelf life. However, once they are placed into an active microbial environment, such as a landfill, they will quickly biodegrade! Plus, plastics that contain EcoPure create byproducts when they break down, most of which are actually useful. For example, the humus can be used to enrich soil while the methane can be used as a source of fuel and energy.  In contrast, conventional plastics are not easily biodegradable and they may last as waste in the environment forever! When these plastics are burned, toxic pollutants are released, resulting in negative impacts on health, air, and natural environments.

A Better Design

Innovez has recently unveiled their new LifeSeries Case for the iPhone 5.  The features of this sleek and protective case have been clearly designed with the consumers’ needs in mind. Innovez has put the protection of your iPhone in the forefront of their design as the LifeSeries Case features dual-layer protection. The high-impact hard outer shell has a silky smooth finish that prevents scuffs and scratches, while the cushy design of the interior sleeve absorbs shocks and impacts for superior protection. The ingenious interlocking system securely connects the two together so, don’t  worry if, ahem when, you drop your iPhone, the Innovez case has your back!  This bombproof defense also extends to the screen with a raised bezel for protection and grip, so if your iPhone does manage to fall screen-first, it will still be safeguarded against harm. The LifeSeries case completely surrounds the iPhone 5 for corner and edge protection, and while the case protects the entire iPhone, we love the slim silhouette that allows it to slide easily into your pocket. The case also offers convenience with extruded button covers and port access thanks to the handy slots for headphones, charging ports and trendy grouped speaker and microphone openings.

The dual layer case design for the LifeSeries allows consumers the versatility to create up to 15 different color combinations with the outer and interior shell.  We also can’t help but notice the clever packaging made from 100% recyclable plastic that allows for a 360 degree view of the case, what a novel concept!

Join us on Facebook and enter to win a FREE Innovez LifeSeries iPhone 5 case!!

P.S. Sadly this giveaway has ended, but be sure to LIKE us on Facebook to get in on the next one!

Image Credits: Innovez

My iPod and headphones have been a staple throughout my life…they have helped me survive days and nights spent in the library studying, accompanied me on airplanes and long trips, and are a must have to help power me through my workouts. Before I had the opportunity to personally review the thinksound ts01 headphones, I didn’t realize what I have been missing out on for all these years of music. When it comes to headphones, I’ve always been more focused on price compared to quality, but after going through countless sets, I’m excited to share with you about how thinksound has changed how I see headphones!

thinksound was founded by Aaron Fournier and Mike Tunney, and after working in the industry for over a decade, they decided it was time for them to make their own mark in the music industry. thinksound focuses on their mission of bringing consumers headphones that are manufactured responsibly, without sacrificing quality. thinksound believes in “clear sound with a clearer conscience.” The company’s goal is to produce incredible sounding headphones, while having the smallest eco-footprint possible. thinksound takes the time to consider every material that they use for their headphones to ensure that they’re factoring the environment into the design and manufacture of their products.

I had the opportunity to use thinksound’s ts01 10mm high definition earphones, and after previewing one song, I was sold on how high-quality the ts01 headphones are! These headphones are compatible with the iPhone, iPod, MP3, CD, DVD, PSP, and computers. They feature a PVC-free, tangle-resistant cable, a cord clip, cotton carrying pouch and four sized silicon ear inserts for a secure fit (s/m/l/xl). The ts01 headphones feature an extra large, 10mm dynamic driver for enhanced bass. These headphones are designed to deliver a “warm, rich, booming sound” and did they ever deliver! In addition, the ts01 headphones have a wooden housing for a beautiful finish, passive noise isolation to reduce background noise, and a 3.5mm gold plated plug for increased sound clarity.

The major problems that I’ve experienced with headphones I’ve used include: uncomfortable and ill-fitting earphones, cords that easily tangled, horrible audio quality and earphones that would not stay in place when working out. I am happy to report that I did not encounter any of these problems with my thinksound’s ts01 headphones! I tested the ts01 headphones with my Apple iPod and I found the sound to be incredible, and I definitely noticed the enhanced bass features of the headphones. I also found that all of the different sized ear inserts were very comfortable, and I never had a problem with them bothering my ears like I have encountered with other headphones. The four foot, tangle-resistant cable is another wonderful feature of these headphones, as I didn’t have to worry about wrestling with my headphones for hours before I could start listening to music! The sweat-resistant and ultra-lightweight designs are both excellent features of the ts01 headphones. While I was working out, I never had to worry about my headphones falling out or feel like my ears were being weighted down with bricks!

thinksound has found different ways to design and manufacture their headphones responsibly. They keep the environment in mind by using wood that is derived from renewable sources and minimizing the eco footprint of their packaging. Not only is the packaging that thinksound uses made from recycled materials, but they have created a smaller packaging size to reduce the amount of materials used for packaging. thinksound’s headphones also feature a cotton carrying pouch that is sewn from renewable resources and PVC-free cables.

One of the great aspects of thinksound’s environmental initiative is their partnership with Universal Recycling Technologies to help keep headphones out of the landfill. With their Recyling Rewarded program, thinksound looks to grant consumers a discount off of their next purchase of thinksound headphones when they send their old headphones to thinksound to be recycled. All headphones that are sent in for the Recycling Rewarded program are worth 15% off your next purchase, but if you recycle thinksound headphones, then you receive an additional 10% off as a loyalty bonus for a total of 25% off your next purchase!

In honor of my newfound commitment thinksound, I scoured my bag of old electronic equipment and accessories in search of all of my previous headphones…in total I sent in 4 headphones to thinksound, including the Apple headphones I was using that came with my iPod. I can now say that I have found my “clear sound with a clearer conscience” thanks to thinksound!

Image Credits: thinksound

They say that you can’t look your best unless you feel your best, and now there’s an easy way to accomplish both with Do You Green lingerie. This French company makes organic lingerie to help women not only look great, but also feel great about the product they’re wearing.

 The Fabric

Do You Green employs a unique procedure to create their organic lingerie and loungewear, by exclusively using pine tree clippings to create their fabric. While you may imagine these clothes to be itchy and prickly like pine needles, they’re not. The fabric actually has “the touch of cashmere and the comfort of silk,” the company explains. This unique material is both biodegradable and anti-bacterial, which allows Do You Green to minimize the environmental impact of their lingerie and loungewear. It also has an Oeko-Tex label, which is an international textile ecology association that only labels fabrics that it certifies as harmless to health.

This innovative fabric also has other great benefits besides the environmentally friendly ones. The cloth helps to regulate body temperature to keep you from getting too cold or too hot, and the lingerie is easy to clean because it’s machine washable and dries fast.

The Company

Created by Sophie Young, Do You Green was founded from the beginning on environmentally friendly principles. They follow the three R’s: reduce (the clothes are meant to last), recycle (the fabric is biodegradable and made from natural products), and reuse (they reuse anything they can). Sophie Young herself is a huge believer in changing the world into being more eco-friendly one step at a time, saying, “It is not only an industrial revolution, but also a whole new way of life for all.” This mentality also holds true for all of Do You Green, which aims to help the world through clothing.

 The Product

Do You Green has a variety of bras and “knickers” ranging from French lace bras to delicate panties, all designed to make you look your best. They also have a variety of nightwear like kimonos and sexy tunics, and their loungewear has the perfect balance of sexy and comfort for the days when you want to look great while lying on the couch. Do You Green doesn’t just stop with women’s wear either, they have a line of men’s clothing like pajamas and underwear.

So, do the earth, your significant other, and yourself a favor by checking out Do You Green lingerie, so you can be both eco-friendly and look great.

Image Credit: Do You Green

How many times have you walked down an aisle of brightly colored juices, energy drinks, sodas, and flavored waters, feeling lost and uninformed about the sea of choices before you? If you’re searching for a healthy, refreshing drink without harmful chemicals or bloat-inducing carbonation, then you should consider Frava. Frava is a naturally caffeinated juice available in four delicious flavors: pineapple orange, pomegranate acai, cranberry orange, and peach mango.

How Frava Came to Fruition

Frava was created by three seniors at Colgate University, during the sweltering exam period of their final semester of college. The three friends were tired, stressed, and sick of relying on red bull and coffee for the energy and focus they needed to study. They came up with the idea for Frava while drinking their morning orange juice and java, wishing they could combine the two into a refreshing and energizing fruit drink. That’s how Frava got its name, fruit plus java.

Frava is forty percent juice and contains natural caffeine from green coffee beans. This makes it a great alternative to energy drinks such as Red Bull or Five-Hour Energy with their high sugar contents and artificial stimulants, which eventually result in an energy crash. These young entrepreneurs are passionate about Frava and since 2010 they have established it as a unique and worthwhile buy for health conscious and environmentally friendly consumers.

What Makes Frava Green

When Frava is bottled, it is put through a hot fill process, which kills bacteria and allows it to be made without preservatives. Most energy drinks use a potent mix of chemicals like synthetic caffeine, taurine, and guarana, which are generated in a laboratory and are unhealthy for you and for the environment. It includes zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and reading its list of ingredients is almost as refreshing as taking your first sip.

Frava in Action

As a college student myself, I have loved my experience with Frava and look forward to its arrival on my campus. Frava sent us a sample of their four mouthwatering flavors, and I enjoyed them while studying, in the morning with my breakfast, as a pick me up during an afternoon class, and after a trip to the gym. I felt the energy boost, loved the refreshing taste, and wished I had more once I finished my last delicious sip of pomegranate acai. Frava is currently sold in New York and Long Island, and is scheduled soon to arrive in Boston. You can order Frava online and in supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores throughout New York City and Long Island. Check out the ‘Frava Finder’ tool on the website to locate a vendor near you.

Image Credit: Frava