Savvy Brown

Review: EZ WYP Biodegradeable Hand Wipes

Savvy — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:33:26 +0000

I discovered the EZ WYP (pronounced “easy wipe”) Biodegradable Wet Wipes at GreenFest this year and I was really impressed with his product. Not only is the product safe for the environment, it’s also really handy! (No pun intended).

EZ WYP Biodegradable Hand Wipes $7.99 (pack of 50 PLUS dispenser!)

So basically, what you get is a pack of 50 little tablet looking things. The tablets, are actually a biodegradable fabric that expands when exposed to liquids. You also get a little dispenser to carry around with you. The spill-proof dispenser holds water on one side and a stack of tablets on the other. Here’s how it works:

Neat huh? And the dispenser really is spill-proof. I’ve tossed it in my bag and ran around with it and it hasn’t spilled once! You can even travel with the container empty at the airport, and then just fill it up when you get through airport security. That way if you need the wipes while you’re on the plane, you can use them. The other great thing is that studies have shown that repeated use of certain antibacterial products and hand sanitizers can affect our immune systems, especially babies. (Read more about that here and here). You don’t have to worry about that with this product, because the wipes have no scent and all you’re using is good old fashioned water!

The wipes are pretty sturdy as well. I’ve wet them and used them to wipe off surfaces, my hands, the tops of bottles, even with a little olive oil to remove makeup! I love these things.

The dispenser holds about 8 tablets/wipes and you can always toss some more in your purse/bag if necessary.

RATING: 5 SAVVY!* – Good product, easy to use, earth-friendly, multiple uses, less than $10!

You can find EZ WYP Biodegradable Wipes in the Savvy Shop

*Savvy Ratings: 5=Savvy 4=Smart 3=Suitable 2=Satisfactory 1=Stupid

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Savvy’s Low-Cal Chocolate Mug Cake

Savvy — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:13:19 +0000

A few months ago I found a recipe for chocolate mug cake. For those of you who are new, it’s basically a single serving of chocolate cake that you make in your microwave in under 5 minutes for those must-have chocolate days. Well, I was under (the mistaken) impression that single serving meant low-calories and boy was I wrong! The average mug cake recipe (with it’s 1/4 cup of flour and 3 tbsps of oil) usually rounds out to about 730 calories! Now that’s fine, if you’re willing to make four servings out of it, but me? Nope. When I get hit with a chocolate craving it hits hard. So I set out to find a way to make my favorite quick and easy dessert low calorie without sacrificing taste. I think this one turned out pretty well!

Savvy’s Low-Cal Chocolate Mug Cake

Ingredients

2 tbsps flour
2 tbsps sugar
1 tbsps cocoa
1.5 tbsp All Whites egg whites
2 tbsps Silk creamer*
2 tbsps unsweetened applesauce
1/4 tsp baking powder
Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Small microwave safe mug (about 8 ounces)

Directions:

Pour the dry ingredients (except for the confectioner’s sugar) into the mug and mix well with a fork. Then add your wet ingredients and continue mixing with a fork until all the lumps are gone and you’ve effectively gotten all the clumps off the bottom. (It will be thick like cake batter). Then stick the mug in the microwave on high for 2.5 minutes. (Some microwaves need 3 mins but only older models whose power is lower). After the cake is done it will resemble..well…cake. Let it cool for about 5 mintues, then sprinkle with a half teaspoon of confectioner’;s sugar, and voila! Chocolate Mug Cake without all the crazy calories.

Lemme know what you guys think of this recipe okay?

*You can use another kind of milk if you would like, but I really like the consistency and the taste of the Silk creamer. (Next time I’m gonna try the hazelnut one, yum!)

Servings: 1; Calories: 150

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What are BPAs?

Savvy — Sun, 13 May 2012 23:30:16 +0000

BPA stands for bis-phenol A and is a chemical compound that has been used to make certain plastics and resins for the last 25 years or so. It’s purpose is to make polycarbonate plastic. Which is used for containers and coatings such as the lining of metal food containers, water bottles, pizza boxes and food take-out containers.

BPAs are found in everything from car bumpers to baby bottles to tomato sauce to cash-register receipts. The chemical is also found in life-saving lightweight medical equipment and security panels. It’s even used to make eyeglasses lenses and toys. BPAs are so prevalent in our society that the CDC reported in 2007 that the chemical was detected in the urine in 93% of the population over 6 years of age in this country. And was linked to a host of health problems.

The benefits of BPAs are that they make plastics strong, transparent and shatter-proof. It also makes them lightweight and vehicles with plastic parts more efficient and safe. It’s heat-resistance comes in handy when making smaller lightweight computer components for drives and machinery. It also responds well to adhesives and therefore can literally be “stuck” anywhere.

BPAs have come under fire because of the long-term effects of the compound in laboratory animals. Basically, animals that were exposed to, ate out of and were weaned on products high in BPAs developed several problems. Among them, low birth weight, miscarriages, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

Very recently, (March 30, 2012), the FDA rejected the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) proposal to ban bisphenol A in food-contact materials. The FDA states that there isn’t enough evidence to prove that the amount of BPAs present in food containers is enough to harm humans. Basically, they’re saying the amount of the chemical used in our food containers and baby bottles is (on average) 30,000 times lower than what the lab rats were exposed to.

But…

What bothers me is that no one really knows how much each person ingests of the substance cumulatively, or how it effects people who are immuno-compromised.

Also, human babies tend to ingest more of the chemical than adults, because, a) they use baby bottles made with the substance and b) their mother’s injest it and transfer it to them several times a day when they’re breast feeding, and c) because…well..babies put things in their mouths. Most of their toys are plastic.

The scientific community has also reported a link between BPAs, phthalates and “autistic behavior” in children.

The only thing that the medical community, activists, and the FDA agree on is that BPA is released faster in hot water. Canada has banned the substance in all baby clothes, bottles and toys, and the entire European Union has banned baby bottles made with the substance since 2010.

Personally, I try to avoid BPAs (as much as I am able) in terms of anything I could ingest. Such as food containers and drink bottles. For instance, I recently switched my water bottle to the BPA free self-filtering Hydros Bottle. I also don’t microwave food in plastic containers, (I know I really shouldn’t microwave at all, I’m trying). I also own this BPA-free travel mug for my coffee and tea. And when I read EcoKaren’s article about canned tomatoes, it downright frightened me. So now I try to buy chopped tomatoes in a jar, if I don’t just chop them up myself.

In an upcoming post, I list more ways that you can avoid BPAs in your home, office and life.

*How do you avoid BPAs?

Sources

http://factsaboutbpa.org/how-is-bpa-used/benefits-of-bpa
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/November/30111002.asp
http://www.medicinenet.com/plastic/page4.htm#bisphenol
http://factsaboutbpa.org/is-bpa-safe/questions-answers
http://health-nutrition-autism.com/bpa-in-plastics/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161813X10002354

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Review: Hydros Filtering Water Bottle

Savvy — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:48:02 +0000

One of the many items that I snagged to review on my day at GreenFest NY was the Hydros Water Bottle. I’ve been in the market for a filtering water bottle for a little while, so I was happily surprised when I came across the Hydros Table at the event and was able to snag it for $20.

Hydros Water Bottle $24

Here’s what I like about it:

- BPA free

- Has an easy-to-install charcoal filter (like my Brita pitcher at home)

- The works pretty quickly to fill the bottle (unlike my Brita pitcher at home)

- Has a nifty side fill port, so you can hold it horizontally under a tap if necessary
- The bottle holds a good 24 oz. Of water which is just enough for me!

- I can throw it in the dishwasher

- One filter lasts for 150 uses or about 3 months

- It’s made at local plants that have a low carbon footprint

- The water tastes great!

- The bottles and filters are fully recyclable

- A full dollar from every sale goes to fund sustainable water projects to help the nearly one billion people who do not have access to water. (THIS!!)

My main use for this bottle is to commute with it and use it wherever I’m working, so that I don’t have to buy/use bottled water. I also use it when I’m on the elliptical machine at home. Now there is one small flaw in the design however. If you don’t close the bottle exactly as it says in the instructions, or if something knocks against it in your bag or purse, the side opening may leak a bit. (I found out the hard way when I wet up my favorite journal). I also don’t carry water when I walking or jogging, so I can’t tell you if running with it is has the same issue.

You MUST soak the charcoal filter in water for 3 minutes before you use it. (When you do it you’ll see why). It was kinda of freaky how the water turned all grey and the filter bubbled as it soaked, but at the end of the 3 minutes, water ran through the filter clear.

Overall I am pleased with this product, and I have actually drank more water since I’ve had this bottle this week alone! Although I wish it was cheaper, the fact that the whole thing is recyclable, part of my money is going to a worthy cause, and I’m saving about 250 bottles of bottled water from landfills makes up for it.
Also, it’s great for air travel! Fits in my car’s cup holder and it’s great for air travel. Just carry the empty bottle in your bag with you through the security checkpoint and then find a bathroom and fill ‘er up! No more spending $7 on bottled water at the airport! (you can even refill the bottle on the plane when you want more water)

RATING: 4 Smart!* – Good product, supports a worthy cause, but wish it was cheaper.

You can find this product in the Savvy Shop.

*Savvy Ratings: 5=Savvy 4=Smart 3=Suitable 2=Satisfactory 1=Stupid

Note: This is the new model that came out last year. The old model does not appear to have a side opening and is a bit smaller

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10 Easy Earth Day Ideas

Savvy — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:54:14 +0000

Recycle – Yep. You know how to do it, but do you actually do it? The easiest way to recycle is to make sure you have a designated area to do so. Need ideas? Check out these nifty ideas:

How to Set Up a Home Recycling Station that Works

Martha Stewart Recycling Center

Hidden Kitchen Recycling area
Upcycle – I love doing this. Seriously. And I don’t mean doing the crazy stuff, like turning a car into a refrigerator or something. I mean simple things, like reusing binder clips, or embroidery hoops, or even litter boxes. For more Upcycle ideas check out my Upcycle Pinterest page.
Lose/Recycle the plastic Bags – Ok, I will admit, that I have some fabulous reusable grocery bags, that often stay inside of my house, or in the glove compartment of my car. But what’s great is that many local stores like Target are now accepting plastic grocery bags and recycling them.
Ban Junk Mail – In the US we receive approximately 100,000,000,000 pieces of junk mail every year. Tired of getting all those random catalogs? Don’t have time to sit down and call all those companies yourself? Use a service to do it for you! Try out Catalog Choice also check out the National Do Not Mail List. Make sure that when you get your credit report, you opt out of receiving mailers or becoming part of any surveys.
Reduce Your Use of Plastic Bottles – A simple solution is to buy your water in a glass bottle, like Voss because glass is recylable. (I use these bottles as vases too!) If you need to carry water with you then try the Bobble Plastic Water Bottle. It’s BPA-free, and has it’s own filter! Which is perfect for when you’re parched and can’t identify how pure your water source is. (Like at the park.)
Stop Using Regular Laundry Detergent – Not only are the surfactants in most detergents unsafe for the environment, they’re harmful to humans as well. If you suffer from asthma or eczema, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate most if not all of your symptoms by using a more natural detergent. You can make your own detergent like I do, or you can use things like soap nuts, or castille soap (although if you have excema you may need something a bit milder). Don’t want to DIY? Then check out the following natural detergents. Need fabric softener? Try this instead.

Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent – $6.80

Dropps Laundry Detergent Tabs – $7.00

BabyGanics 3X Concentrated Laundry Detergent – $12.99
Save Water In Your Bathroom- Check for leaks under your sink and toilet every season. Convert your toilet to a Dual-flush. Basically, it uses a little water when you “do a#1” and more water when you “do a #2”. There’s a switch or button to differentiate between the two. You can buy simple DIY Dual flush Kits here. In an apartment? Keep a bucket in the bathroom and fill it when your letting the water run to get warm. Then save it to feed your pets, water your plants, or even clean with it!
Give Up Paper Napkins and Paper Towels – It’s really not as hard as you’d think. And yes, it still can me sanitary. I use a mixture of cloth napkins, microfiber towels, cotton rags and Skoy Cloths around my house. I have a little bucket I keep on the counter in the kitchen and in some of the other rooms where the dirty ones go. Then I just toss them in the laundry and repeat the next week. To learn how I did it, check out this post.
Switch to Recycled Toilet Paper - Nope, I’m not ready to give up toilet paper either, BUT there are new brands out made from recycled paper that don’t feel like your wiping your bum with tree bark. Seriously. Also check out “camping toilet tissue”. That stuff was created for portable toilets and is easier on septic systems too. Check out some of these brands:

Small Steps

Seventh Generation

Coleman
Use a Rain Barrel In Your Garden – Buy a Rain Barrel for your home so that you can catch water naturally and use it to water you plants without touching the tap from your house. Almost all of them have a spigot on the front so that you can attach a standard hose.

What are some your green tricks and tips?

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More Pics from the Natural Hair Meetup!

Savvy — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:30:02 +0000

Here’s more pictures from the meetup! Thank you so much to Monet a Savvy Brown reader and event participant! Enjoy!

Savvy and Scarlett (l-r)

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Wonder Curl Demo at Savvy Brown Meet Up

Savvy — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:08:30 +0000

For those of you who missed it, we had a blast on Saturday over at Ecodermis at the Savvy Brown* meet up sponsored by WonderCurl Scarlett Rocourt, the owner and creator of the Wonder Curl line of products was on hand to talk about her products and to narrate a live demo of her products. Hairstylist Jolanda McLaughlin of DaJahvu demonstrated a wash ‘n go using Wonder Curl products on lucky reader LaToya! Here’s what she did:

LaToya arrived at the meet up with clean and natural hair. (No her hair isn’t relaxed, she used a blow-dryer to dry it which inadvertently straightened it a bit. This is not necessary to use the product).

In fact Jolanda thoroughly wet her hair with a spray bottle full of water before applying any product.

Then she applied a little Get Slick Hair Smoothie all over Latoya’s hair. You can see in the pic below how her natural curl pattern is already starting to emerge.

Then section-by-section Jolanda applied Butter Than Love Hair Pudding immediately followed by Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly to Latoya’s hair. See how curly the hair gets?

After Latoya’s whole head was complete, Jolanda pinned one side up with a pretty white flower. Her hair was still damp at this point.

Scarlett suggested that she use a diffuser to scrunch and dry the hair in sections to dry the hair the rest of the way. Here’s the finished product, completely dry, and the entire process took less than an hour!

Thank you so much to Wonder Curl for sponsoring this event, and for our beautiful hair model LaToya and of course our wonderful stylist Jolanda!

*Savvy Brown is not compensated in any way by Scarlett Rocourt or Wonder Curl.

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Cheap Dresser Drawer Organization

Savvy — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:01:12 +0000

So the next stop on my Spring Cleaning journey is my bedroom dresser drawers. They were a mess. And it always takes me forever to find stuff anyway, so I hunted around for things to use as drawer dividers or some type of separation tools.
As I’ve mentioned before, the best thing to do is to start by shopping your home first. So I poked around my basement and the back of one of my closets, (I’ve got to put that one on the list!) until I found these spring loaded drawer divider things that I forgot that I had!

Then, my husband had some of these IKEA SKUBB fabric storage boxes left over and I snagged some of those too!

So here’s what the lingerie drawers looked like before:

And here’s what they look like now:

Like you stepped into Victoria’s Secret right?

Yeah. Ok but you know what I’m going for.

Cost? $0

Being able to find a matching set of underwear in less than 15 minutes? priceless.

I love that.

Here’s where you can find the same/similar items:

Whitmor Drawer Organizers

Progressive Drawer Dividers

IKEA Skubb Fabric Box Set

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BE A WONDER CURL NATURAL HAIR MODEL AT THE MEETUP!

Savvy — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:51:18 +0000

BE A NATURAL HAIR MODEL AT THIS WEEKEND’S MEETUP!

Looking for a natural hair model for this weekend’s meetup in Brooklyn!

Enter to have your hair styled in a wash ‘n go for the meetup with

Wonder Curl Hair products

and

walk away with products yourself!

Anyone interested in hair modeling

contact Scarlett at info@wondercurl.com

with the following:

a recent picture of your 4a/4b hair “worn out” (not up in a bun, braids or locs)
email contact info
reason why you want to model

***CONTEST IS FROM NOW UNTIL THURSDAY AT MIDNIGHT ONLY.***

To increase your chances of winning:

Tell everyone about the event on twitter, facebook and your own blog.
Comment here to tell us what you did!

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Yes To Blueberries Smoothing Cleanser Review

Savvy — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:23:38 +0000

Every now and then, I like to switch up my beauty routine, just so my skin doesn’t build up an immunity of sorts to what I’m doing. So, although my Homemade Morning Routine and My Nighttime Skin Reggie were working ok, I decided to change things up a bit.
I tried out some less than stellar makeup recently, and the ingredients made me break out a bit. After that, I noticed that the black soap I normally use seemed to be irritating my already enflamed skin. Time to find a more gentle cleanser.

After searching the web, I came across the Yes to Blueberries line. (First carrots, then cucumbers, now blueberries. Who knew?) Apparently blueberries are natural anti-oxidants, which are good for someone with skin in my…um…age range. ahem

Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Smoothing Cleanser, 4.5 Ounce ($9.95)

Ingredients: water, vaccinium cyanococcus (blueberry) juice, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), ethylhexyl palmitate, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, beeswax, glycerin, glyceryl stearate citrate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel extract, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, cetearyl alcohol, xanthan gum, phenethyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, glyceryl caprylate, fragrance.

The first thing I noticed with this cleanser is that it doesn’t really lather up much, (proof that there’s no surfactants in it. Yay!) and it actually feels more like lotion that soap.

The second thing I noticed is that if you use this product as directed. It doesn’t really work. When I wet my face and apply it, because of the amount of oils in it, it just kind of slides around, not really cleaning anything.

Hmmm.

The next day, I try something different. Instead of wetting my face first, I apply the product all over my dry skin like cold cream. Then, taking a damp washcloth I wipe it all off. All my makeup comes off easily and my skin is left feeling well moisturized and very, very clean.

Aha!

So, the verdict is. I really like this product. After using it for about a week, my skin feels great. I always use toner afterwards and then moisturizer. But I really like it. You just can’t use it like it says on the container is all.

RATING: 4 Smart!* – Great product, great ingredients, great price.

You can find this product in the Savvy Shop.

*Savvy Ratings: 5=Savvy 4=Smart 3=Suitable 2=Satisfactory 1=Stupid

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