Anyway on this organic pillar candle from Heaven Scent; Kate reviewed a Ylang Ylang version of it back in December 2008 so we know it has good eco credentials. Made from 100% organic vegan plant wax and natural oils, it’s harder to get a better candle for the environment.

The one pictured is the one I tested, a mini pillar candle that’s remarkably cheap, so I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s very strongly scented and once lit will fill the whole room without being overpowering. The wax is different from what you’re used to with candles and it will just disappear rather than melt, it almost crystallises.

To make the most of it I’d suggest putting the candle in a bathroom or toilet as it will overpower other smells and give smaller rooms a nice smell. For my first review from the Scented Candle Shop I’m very impressed.

The Sea Breeze Organic Pillar Candle costs £1.79 and can be found here.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Sea Breeze Organic Pillar Candle Eco Product Review

For the past several seasons, Ford has been one of the biggest sponsors for American Idol and despite tough times, 2009 is no exception. My day began driving to Hollywood to experience the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Just a green day all around. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the fine people at Ford who were eager to show off their redesigned Fusion.

The overview was informative and we learned a lot more about this mid-size GREEN sedan like its class-leading 41MPG and that the Fusion is capable of running in EV or all-electric mode for speeds up to 47MPH. Ford also had Fusion Hybrid that was loaded with decals highlighting its achievement for traveling over 1,400 miles on one 17.5 gallon tank which is a new record. Of course that was done by some hypermile experts, but they did offer 10 tips for the rest of us who want to drive greener.

Slow down and watch speed
Accelerate and brake smoothly
No idling
Check your tires
Be kind to your vehicle
Travel light
Minimize use of heater and air conditioning
Close windows at high speeds
Choose the right oil
Consolidate trips
Numbers are impressive, but it was now time to put the Fusion to the test via a mileage competition among auto journalists.

I had the more challenging part of the drive, taking the Fusion up through the Hollywood hills. Plenty of torque on tap, but the key was to use as little fuel as possible despite the challenging terrain. When I handed the Hybrid Ford to my co-pilot, the average MPGs was at 20.6. Not great, but considering the roads, very good, especially by non-Hybrid standards. My partner had the freeway drive as well as some downhill coasting opportunities to help us achieve a competition-winning average of 36.5 MPG! Not bad when you consider the size of the Fusion. That’s the same fuel economy I’ve been achieving with the Honda Insight!

Ford has come a long way and I have to admit, the 2010 refresh was more than just cosmetic. The Fusion drives better, looks better, and has been improved significantly on the inside thanks to better materials and better gauges. And of course we can’t leave out the Microsoft Sync system which is truly one of the best on the market.

The primary competitors for the Fusion Hybrid are the Camry Hybrid and Altima Hybrid. I’ve driven both of these cars and can honestly say that this Fusion Hybrid is just better. Looks better, drives better, and better interior. And best of all, it’s priced better.

One final word on the Fusion and American Idol. Ford made it clear that although the show is about young people, it actually appeals to a broad audience and therefore the Fusion makes sense. That may be the case, and I’m sure Ford gets a good return on their investment or the partnership would have been canceled quicker than a show on TBS, but I for one can’t wait until next year when the Ford Fiesta arrives. I drove it and it’s awesome. It will help on so many levels. First, it will give Ford its first legitimate compact car in America….EVER. Second, it will draw young buyers into Ford dealerships. And third it will prove that America can build a quality compact car that can compete with Honda and Toyota. I just wish the Fiesta was here today!

Posted by Ron Doren, Editor of The Drivers Seat.tv.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

American Idol Fusion

“IPATH (pronounced eye-path) was founded in 1999 as a clear divergence from the over-tech trend in performance skate shoes. IPATH sneakers are as durable and grippy as other similar priced footwear intended for skateboarding, but they tend to have a more understated vibe that appeals to a different consumer. ”

The pair I received were the cream ones, though they’re more green than cream. There is also a green pair available but they’re much darker green. Very, very comfortable they came with a green and cream set of laces in case you wanted to switch and also have Velcro sealed pockets below the tongue, for stashing keys, money or whatever.

They also apparently feature triple-stitched construction in the toe and outside foot area that helps ensure durability and prevent blow-outs as skaters slide their feet against harsh griptape (I’m no skater, but I’m told with confidence that when you ollie, your lead foot turns sideways, so the outside of the upper is sliding against the board). The elasticated tongue also ensures an snug and comfortable fit.

I couldn’t find any downside to them, they do what is asked of them and look good too.

Price-wise they are not cheap at nearly $80 but the quality seems outstanding. Plus they’re made from materials such as hemp, ramie, organic cotton and other recycled and/or sustainable materials. Check them out at IPATH.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Nu IPath Sneakers Are Cooler Than Me

His site selling handmade goods, Etsy, now has a Green Girls Global section selling 29 100% organic t-shirts, vests and long-sleeve tops starting at $22 and only going up to $28. Take a look.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Green Girl Global T-shirts

JASON is a brand from America, its products are is ‘pure, natural and organic’ and this body wash contains mango and papaya extracts to soften the skin. And it smells like it too. It smells lovely, like a mango yoghurt, or indeed a mango, and is bright orange. As a shower gel it works well, thick and creamy it makes a nice lather like the mainstream, non-organic shower gels do. But this isn’t a shower gel, it’s a body wash and you can use it in the bath too, just put it on a loofah or wash cloth and it works just as well.

I would advise to thoroughly wash yourself after using it. I have quick showers and putting my underarm deodorant on resulted in it turning a little orange. It’s not permanent but I’m glad it came off then and not onto my white shirt while I was at work.

It comes in a big container as I mentioned, and not easy to fit on that little shelf in the corner of the shower, but I like it. Plastic containers (this is HDPF 4) are a sad by-product of this industry, one that even the best organic companies haven’t be able to overcome. So why not sell them in big containers? I recycle them anyway but there’s less recycling if you have a bigger container. And it’s more cost effective too. Compare the price of this to similar products which are 500ml or so.

JASON Mango Satin Body Wash costs £7.99 for 900ml from Big Green Smile.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

JASON Mango Satin Body Wash Eco Product Review

Conveniently called “Where to recycle electronics, free” the article includes some compelling reasons to recycle (e.g., The cathode-ray tube in old-style TVs and computer monitors contains 4 to 8 pounds of lead, a neurotoxin), as well as a list of companies that help you recycle (via drop off centers, mail in programs, etc) AND links to public programs.

Take a look here.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Where To Recycle Electronics

Anyway, part of the Washing Line er line of products, the kitchen cleaner comes in a simple, friendly bottle with an Eco Friendly cloud on the front. The ingredients list reads: aqua, alcohol, alkyl polyglucoside, sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, benzophenone-4, parfum and lactic acid. It says it’s non-toxic, biodegradeable, contains no animal products, parabens or sulphates.

As you would imagine, you simply spray it onto the surface and wipe away. I initially tried it on my stainless steel sink and while it didn’t work as well as Method’s stainless steel cleaner, it did quite a nice job. And on the usual work surfaces it did as good a job as any other cleaner I’ve used – eco-friendly or not.

The nozzle is quite good and helps cleaning as you can choose it to either spray or stream the cleaner out depending on what job you’re doing and amount of cleaner you need. Maybe a lot of cleaners have them and this is the first time I’ve realised, but it’s quite useful.

Another way it stands out from other eco cleaners is the smell. Most have a neutral or citrus scent, but this is ‘cotton fresh’ which actually rather pleasant and was a nice surprise as I wasn’t expecting it.

It’s good a big name like Cath Kidston has gone down the eco route with its line of cleaners and you’ll be happy with the result. The Washing Line Kitchen Cleaner cost £3.95 for 750ml from Big Green Smile.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Cath Kidston Kitchen Cleaner Eco Product Review

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

“Resuscitate the World” with Oxfam

Sent to us by So Organic, the shower gel is certified by the Soil Association and contains organic apple and elderflower oils to give it its distinctive fragrance. And it is quite distinctive and takes a little getting used to.

Being used to quite ‘watery’ shower gels, it was a bit of a surprise to discover how thick this one was and you have to give it a good squeeze to get it out of the tube. But being thick means a little goes a long way and it lathers up nicely.

It’s almost a luxury body wash if such a thing exists, it feels like a treat using it and is smooth and silky and, important, cleans you too. If apple and elderflower isn’t your thing, Raw Organic also make a range of hand soaps, shampoos etc in flavours like bilberry and juniper; wild chamomile and olive; and honey and barley.

Raw Organic 80% Organic Refreshing Body Wash costs £8.00 for 250ml from So Organic.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Raw Organic 80% Organic Refreshing Body Wash Eco Product Review

The Source range have changeable handles and in addition to the recycled wood handle they now have recycled flax and recycled dollar bills.

Yes, that’s right, the US Treasury sends them retired bills and they blend them with recycled plastic to make handles for the Source toothbrushes. It looks cool, and gives a whole new meaning to making your money work for you. Weird, but cool – take a look here.

All information is © Life Goggles 2008

Designer Toothbrush Made from Dollar Bills