Why We Love Green

The Cost of Disposable Bags

2015-07-30T01:43:00.000-04:00

Plastic Bags: The True Cost

Plastic Bags as a One-Use Item

The use of disposable bags has become so routine that most people don’t even think about it: they make a purchase and a clerk places it in a bag, which the customer takes home and throws away. Multiply the number of purchases an average person makes in a year – from groceries to cosmetics to hardware – times the number of people in the U.S., and you have a situation that creates an enormous amount of waste. An increasing number of municipalities and states are passing laws to limit or eliminate the use of disposable bags, particularly those that are made from non-recyclable plastic.

Plastic Bags Pollute Our Oceans

Disposable bags are big contributors to pollution in the world’s oceans. This causes harm to ocean ecosystems as well as huge costs for coastal states that must clear this waste from their beaches. The creation of plastic products also contribute to the use of fossil fuels. Even when they’re recycled – and they rarely are – the financial costs of recycling are great and the payoff in terms of the value of new bags created is very low.

Are Reusable Bags the Answer?

Providing customers with the temporary convenience of a disposable bag creates a major expense for retailers. If this cost were eliminated, the savings could be passed on to consumers. Many businesses already offer their customers a financial incentive for using reusable totes for their purchases.

Making the transition to reusable bags is good for the environment and good for everyone’s bottom line. Check out the infographic below for more information on the benefits of eliminating this source of waste.

Click here for the full-sized image.
Enjoyed this infographic? Read more promotional marketing tips from HALO.

How to Go Green on Your Next Vacation

2015-06-01T19:39:00.000-04:00

Eco-Friendly Vacation Tips

Do you do your part for the environment most of the time, but you're not sure how to stay eco-conscious while on vacation? It's not as hard as you think! By following a few basic green travel tips, you’ll do your part for the environment and get more out of your vacation.

For example, say you are planning on visiting our nation's capital. Here are seven tips for making your vacation greener and better for the earth!

1. Only stay in Washington DC hotels that have recycling programs. You’ll be able to find this information on the hotel website. If the hotel you’re at doesn’t end up having a recycling program, keep your recyclables and take them to the nearest center.

2. Reuse your towels and sheets instead of having the room service attendant change them every day. Either tell the front desk that you don’t need frequent room service or keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door most days.

3. Take short showers to conserve water. Also, turn the faucet off when you’re brushing your teeth, as you probably do at home. When possible, use cold water instead of warm water.

4. When you’re not going to be in your room, turn off all electronics, including the lights and air conditioner. Even if you're staying in a hot destination, the room will cool down after just a few minutes of having the AC on, so you don't need to leave it running all day long while you're out and about.

5. Bring your own toiletries instead of using the ones provided by the hotel. Get small bottles and fill them up with your own products from home. If you still have toiletries in your room at the hotel, bring them home with you so they don’t simply get thrown out and wasted.

6. Pack light if you’re going to be flying to your destination. Heavy bags make the aircraft heavier, which means it has to use more fuel, which makes more pollution. When possible, only bring a carry-on instead of checking luggage.

7. Instead of purchasing a guidebook, download one on your phone or tablet. Or, borrow one from the library. You can also look for a mobile app that has an updated guide of the city.

These tips may not seem like they’ll make a huge difference, but when each person does their part to go green, you can really make a huge impact on the planet.

Newborn Cloth Diaper Shower & Giveaway! (US/end 6/21/15)

2015-06-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

What is a blogger to do when she's expecting the birth of her 5th little blessing? Hold a baby shower event to celebrate this exciting time! I'm so excited to be celebrating with Conservamom--we love babies and we love cloth diapers...and of course we love giveaways! Let's all wish Conservamom good luck and congratulations as she welcomes her fifth bundle of joy into this world. The great part is that you have the chance to win some exciting baby gear as well. The giveaway and prize descriptions are below.

Conservamom is expecting the birth of 5.0 and she's so excited waiting for baby's arrival! She's Team Green, by the way. So we all can't wait to find out if she is having a little boy or a little baby girl. For this Baby Shower Event, she's teamed up with over 29 of the best bloggers and baby & cloth diapering companies around to bring all of our readers the chance at some amazing prizes!

So are you ready to find out what the prizes are? Read on to see the prize packs worth nearly $1,000 each filled with eco-friendly baby supplies like cloth diapers, car seats, and more!

Diono Radian RXT car seat (arv $359.99)

Diono makes some of the safest and easiest to use car seats on the market today. Many moms love them for the possibility to have 3-across in the backseat! Diono car seats and travel accessories are safe, reliable and easy to use. You can check out Conservamom's review here.

Spray pal Diaper Sprayer & Spray pal $75

Spray Pal is a cloth diaper splatter shield you can use with your diaper sprayer to clean poopy cloth diapers the EASY way. Check out this innovative product sure to make your life so much easier when spraying your diapers.

Happy Heiny's Mini one-size & Newborn diapers (arv $37.90)

Happy Heiny diapers is an line of quality cloth diapers that features variety and selection including a unique micro mini that can be used on babies as little as 1-3 pounds. We've loved our Happy Heiny's in the past, including a cute cow print!

Imagine Diapers (3 newborn diapers) (arv $41.82)

The Imagine All-in-One Cloth Diaper is lined with a super soft fleece inner, keeping baby dry, complimented with a waterproof PUL outer, keeping leaks in. The included fleece-lined, 4-layer microfiber soaker pad snaps into the front of the diaper for added absorbency, but is removable for a quicker dry time after wash. The gentle leg casings prevent leaks while keeping your baby comfortable. The Imagine All-in-One Cloth Diaper is available in 5 beautiful colors and comes in either snap or hook & loop closure.

Zookaboo Diapers Five newborn (7 to 10lbs) cloth diaper covers (arv $60.00)

Zookaboo is a small batch manufacturer of handmade baby and children's apparel and cloth diapers. These gorgeous covers are lined PUL with fun outer cotton prints. All have double row of snaps.

Ovella Wool Balls 6 pack of Dryer balls (arv $31.95)

Ovella Wool, located in Michigan, features handmade wool products made from the wool of local farm-raised sheep. They hand dye their wool in small lots, and take pride in the products that they offer. Dryer balls can speed drying time, fluff and soften clothes, and get rid of static cling!You can read my Woolzies Dryer Ball Review here and my Willow Store Dryer Ball Review here.

Nicki's Diapers- 3 newborn Bamboo (arv $41.85)

Nicki's Diapers Newborn Bamboo All-in-One Cloth Diaper is lined with buttery soft, yet incredibly absorbent bamboo with a complimenting waterproof outer. It fits approximately 5-13 pounds.

Green Path Baby: 2 Little Joey Diapers (arv $29.95)

GreenPath Baby is a mom-owned, cloth diapering store. They are dedicated to helping their customers discover the best cloth diaper as well as natural products for babies at every price point. They currently offer cloth diapers, Baltic amber necklaces, woven wraps, detergents, and a great variety of natural products for moms and babies.

Apple Cheeks -1 Little Bundle (arv $28.95)

Apple Cheeks are the fabulous washable diapering system. This Canadian-made system is one of the trimmest, best-fitting diapers on the market, backed by unparalleled customer care!

The Little Bee Co. New Born Diaper Package (arv $105)

The Little Bee Co. is a modern cloth diaper company dreamed up by a mom with a vision to make a change! Little Bee Diapers carry the cutest selection of diapers around with various systems that fit your child's and cloth diapering needs. Little Bee is a leader in giving back--they donate a diaper for every diaper they sell.

Zephyrhill Blog: Real Teal Stay Dry Diaper with two inserts (arv $20.99)

Zephyrhill Blog is a helpful, friendly place for families to learn, swap experiences, and just have fun. This Super mother of 7 kids here on earth and one in Heaven is filled with some great reviews, recipes and so much more!

Smart Bottoms: Newborn Diaper & Pail (arv $34)

Smart Bottoms offers an organic cloth diapering system that is 100% made in the United States. You can find the cutest prints and sleekest AIO in the market made with amazing quality!

Hanchell Baby Swaddle Blanket Set & Bamboo Washcloths (arv $99.00)

Hanchell Babies is committed to making your life easier by providing you with a range of high quality products which you can trust time and time again. They understand you wont compromise on the needs of your baby and neither will they. They've researched, developed and commercialize leading baby products which give you peace of mind and meet your needs in the care and
love of your baby.

Joovy Moon Room $189.99

Joovy is a family gear company offering products for the contemporary family on the go. You can check out Conservamom's Review of the Joovy Moon room here.

7A.M Enfant Hamper Bag $50

Founded by French designer Rebecca Campora, 7 A.M.® ENFANT offers a wide selection of versatile, urban and stylish baby accessories combining good design, fashion and versatility. You can check out Conservamom's Review of The 7 A.M Enfant Hamper Bag here.

NurtureMe $55 Prize Pack
This prize includes 4 bags organic quinoa baby cereals, 1 pouch each nurturmeal blend + nurtureal quinoa, 4 yum-a-roo toddler snacks, 1 re-useable eco pouch, 1 BPA free baby spoon, 1 coupon, and 1 informative quinoa bookmark.

NurturMe is the first and only family of certified-organic, dried fruit and veggie meals and snacks created to nourish healthy growth and overall wellness in little ones. Bursting with vital nutrients and fresh organic flavor, NuturMe’s Quinoa infant cereals, dried NurturMeals baby food and Yum-a-Roo’s toddler snacks help parents feed their children better from first bites to first steps, and everywhere in between.

MAM USA $75 Prize Pack
MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one. To find out more and view MAM’s baby care range of award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items and coordinating accessories visit www.mambaby.com.

Pacapod Trio Bag $140.00
No matter where you wander, everything’s in place with PacaPod, the only baby changing bag on the market with a unique and ingenious 3- in-1 organization system. Inside every PacaPod is the brain behind the bag, a Feeder and Changer pod to hygienically separate feeding from changing. PacaPod’s award-winning bags work as a designer baby bag, cool bag, mini changing bag and changing mat all rolled into one. Check out Conservamom's Pacapod review here.

B.Box Essential Diaper Caddy $64

This light and portable change station ensures you have everything you need for diaper changing wherever you are around the home. Great space saver for apartment living and ideal for two-story homes. BPA, Phthalates and PVC free.

Baby Comfy Care $12.99

Baby Comfy Nose nasal aspirator uses your own suction to quickly and hygienically remove children’s nasal mucus. Never fear, the design of the aspirator eliminates any possibility of contact with mucus and germs. BPA and phthalate-free.

ZenRocks: 2 necklaces $30
ZenRocks are a stylish new twist on teething jewelry for mom and baby. Zen-Rocks features completely new, never before seen or produced designs, made from non-toxic silicone.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Baby Essentials $54.00
Earth Mama’s safe, hospital recommended, certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and natural herbal personal care products, gentle castile soaps, and teas are specifically formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth, from Pregnancy through Postpartum Recovery, Breastfeeding, and Baby care.

Konfidence Baby warma & Aqua Nappy $45.98

The Konfidence Babywarma Swimsuit is specially designed to keep baby warm and secure while in the water. The super-soft neoprene suit provides a snug fit for a comfortable and secure feel, making time spent swimming fun, relaxed and happy.

Made of 2mm neoprene, suit fits snugly around baby's body, providing optimum warmth, comfort, and security for your child
Soft Lycra® edging is gentle against skin and helps prevent chafing
Provides 100% UV protection on covered parts
Suit opens out completely flat so it is easy to wrap baby up perfectly every time
Neoprene material gives a much better grip for parent/care giver in and around the pool or changing room making it much safer carrying the little one.
Easy-open diaper flap (bottom opening) allows for changing baby without having to take off the entire swimsuit
Fully-adjustable Velcro® fasteners for a perfect fit every time

The fully machine washable, stretchy Aquanappy is reusable which makes it an eco-friendly replacement for disposable swim diapers.

Grows with baby from 3mths to 30mths
Open-flat design with Velcro® and popper fastening for a completely adjustable and comfortable fit
Easy to clean and reusable diaper cover
An eco-friendly choice over disposable swim diapers

Pediped 2 Shoes RV $70

Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children's footwear brand in the United States. pediped shoes are an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily.

Baby Blanket Music $44.97

Baby Blanket Music offers a collection of albums featuring soothing lullaby arrangements of songs made famous by well-known artists. The collection includes music from Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

Hanchell Babies Swaddle blankets and Bamboo Washcloth $99

Hanchell Babies is committed to making your life easier by providing you with a range of high quality products. They understand you won't compromise on the needs of your baby and neither will they. They've researched, developed and commercialize leading baby products which give you peace of mind and meet your needs in the care and love of your baby. They are continuously adding new products to their line so don't miss out on all the exciting things going on!

Natural Mat Top Mat (arv $135)

The Natural Mat Company was founded in 2000 in Topsham in Devon, by Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall, who as keen sailors both became frustrated with the poor quality of synthetic mattresses found on boats. Mark and Peter decided to look for an alternative and found natural fibers to be a more superior substitute for boating. With their knowledge and expertise they quickly developed a business making mattresses for yachts and motor boats. With the arrival of Mark’s first child, they quickly identified a need for a natural offering for babies. The handmade range includes organic coir, natural latex and mohair mattresses from cribs through to children’s beds. Each mattress provides parents with the peace of mind that babies will have a safe and restful night sleep on the highest quality natural fibers available today.

Lalabye Baby Cloth Diapers Baby Gift Card (arv $25)

These diapers are one size pocket diaper designed to be used from newborn through potty training!
Using 100% Natural Bamboo Fibers and TPU (waterproof fabric) Lalabye baby’s diapers' are among the best. These diapers are designed in the USA and manufactured overseas. I have to warn you though, these diapers are addictive and have a huge fan following, so be ready to fall in love with Lalabye baby's amazing diapers!

Grandma El's Diaper Rash Cream (arv $10.45)

Grandma El's Diaper Rash Ointment is a pediatrician recommended healing ointment. Used as directed with every diaper change it will help to prevent, protect and heal diaper rash. Grandma El’s has shown positive effects in helping with the following: Eczema, Heat Rash, Minor Burns, cuts, and scrapes, Sun Burn, Cradle Cap, Cracked Heels, Chapped Lips and Cheeks, Post-Tattoo Treatment.

Green Team Enterprises- HipPeas Craddle Cap Care kit & Brush

Green Team sells eco-friendly Mom and Baby products. Hip Peas is a line of fun, kid-friendly hair and skincare products that contain safe and natural ingredients.

Planet Wise Dry/Wet Bag (arv $21)

Logan & Leonor Petite Pouch (arv $10)

Little Joey's Diapers in Clyde print (arv $30)

Aren't these prizes amazing? Here's your chance to be one of the lucky winners! Just head below for your chance to enter to win one of 3 gift packs! This giveaway is open to US Residents only and ends on 6/21 at 11:59pm EST. Good luck! Please give the entry form a moment to load or click on the link to be taken to a separate page with the entry form on it.

Entry Form

Disclosure: All opinions are those of Why We Love Green and/or Conservamom. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. Open to US residents only, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by Dropprice through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. Conservamom is in charge of the final prize drawings, distributions, and contacting winners and companies. Why We Love Green has no part in choosing or contacting a winner. No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Christine here at Why We Love Green.

Baby's First Birthday Invitations and Party Supplies

2015-05-11T23:52:00.002-04:00

Choosing the Right Baby Party Invitation

Flannel Thanks Children's Stationery

Baby's First (Lumberjack) Birthday

There's an important day coming up in our house: Baby T's first birthday! I'm thinking a lumberjack/outdoorsman theme, because he looks so handsome in plaid. (And he's built solid--like a little woodsman!) I've picked out some of my favorite invitations and party supplies from minted.com to celebrate the event. If you have a favorite invitation, let me know! I'm struggling to decide between four main options. There's so much to choose from on the minted.com stationery and art website!

The above Lumberjack Thank You Card for children is clearly a top-contender. I've checked out the customization tool, and I can make this thank you card into an invitation if I want to. I am in love with the wrap-around return address label!

Here's a second possibility--the Critter Camping Children's Invitation with the tent in the woods. It comes as a postcard or a folded card, with lots of customization options. I'm leaning toward the red because it seems more lumberjack-ey. The folded card is available in 100% recycled paper!

Critter Camping Children's Invitation Postcard

Inviting Responsibility: Planting Trees and Buying Recycled Products

You may be wondering why I, a green blogger, would be sending out paper invitations. Let me confess that I love mail, sending cards, and writing letters. There's something special about receiving a physical reminder that others are thinking about you. It's always a wonderful surprise to find an actual letter or card in my mailbox. Usually we only receive bills and advertisements, so an honest-to-goodness baby birthday or baby shower invitation is a real treat!

Campsite Kids Party Invitations

It's because I love receiving cards that I want to share that happy feeling with others. Of course I want to share these letters in an environmentally responsible way. That's why I chose these cards from minted.com. Minted has partnered with Plant-IT 2020, a non-profit organization that plants indigenous tree seedlings, to plant 10,000 trees by September 30, 2015. These 10,000 trees represent 7 times the amount of tree-material used in their products! You can check out their pledge and information here at the minted Tree Planting Program Page. Not only has minted.com pledged to donate to plant trees this year, but they have also pledged that each year they will increase their donation amount! Of course you can tell why I choose to order from minted.com!

Coordinating Party Supplies and Decor for Baby's Party

Great Outdoors Party Decorations

The above "Great Outdoors" invitations really communicate the lumberjack feel that I'm looking for, with the option to have a plaid back and a plaid envelope liner. The cards at minted.com are all customizable, so I tested out a version of this card that read, "You're invited to Lumberjack Land." I liked the alliteration. Other pros for this design include the option of 100% recycled paper and coordinating plaid decor sets, including bunting, stickers, table runners, food labels, and even confetti. Again, I love the plaid! This would make decorating for Baby T's party so simple and stress-free!

Campsite Circle Garlands

Making the Right Choice for Baby and the Earth

This Woods Baby Shower Invitation would also be ideal for an outdoors-ey baby shower or birthday party. The cards at minted.com are fully customizable, so feel free to look in other categories throughout the site. I found my ideas throughout their offerings, including in kids' parties, baby shower invitations, thank you cards, and wedding decoration packages.

This gentle card is perfect for our gentle giant and is also available in 100% recycled paper. The paper is made from 100% post-consumer waste and is manufactured with wind-power! Music to my ears. It's so refreshing to find cute stationery that's made from 100% recycled paper.

In the Woods Baby Shower Invitation

Another advantage of this fox, tree, and bird design is that it's available with coordinating thank you cards and address labeling. I love trying out the customizations and seeing the "stamp" look that minted uses for their free addressing option. It's a perfect match with this woodsy card!

Now that I've spent a few hours playing with all the options and customizing the lumberjack birthday cards to the max, I love them all almost too much to decide! What do you think? Which should I get for Baby T?

Should I go with the minted lumberjack card, the squirrel kids' camping card, the classic "great outdoors" card, or the fox baby shower card? I'm having such a hard time deciding! At least they all feature that wrap-around return address label that I love, because otherwise that might be a deciding factor, I must admit. Leave me a comment and help me get the cutest and most earth-friendly option for our party!

Meatless Mondays as Part of a Healthy Life

2015-04-16T01:53:00.000-04:00

Moving Toward Meatless: Simple Steps to Improve Your Health

A quiet revolution is taking place across this country. In more and more homes, meat and potatoes are fading into the background as plant-based meals assume center stage. If this conjures up images of your family sitting around the dinner table staring dejectedly at a big bowl of lettuce or piles of steamed broccoli, think again. Meatless doesn’t have to be miserable – and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. The path to a more vibrant, more vegetarian version of yourself can begin with just a few small steps.

The Case for Reducing Meat Consumption

There is a multitude of reasons for easing into a meatless menu. One compelling motivation to make this change is the mounting evidence of a very troubling shift in rates of colon cancer. Once considered a malady of middle age and beyond, this illness has been seen with increasing frequency in patients under the age of 50 – even as rates of diagnosis have dropped among people aged 50 and over. No one knows for sure why more and more young people are falling victim to colon cancer, but one thing is clear: there is a strong link between diet and risk when it comes to this disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, you can reduce your chances of a colon cancer diagnosis by:

Exercising regularly

Scheduling routine screenings

Maintaining a healthy weight

Refraining from smoking

Drinking little or no alcohol

Increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

Many of these lifestyle changes provide benefits beyond cancer prevention.

Easing Into Healthy Habits

Whether you’re looking to minimize your cancer risk or your waistline, you can establish new routines by committing to one or two changes at a time and sticking with them. You don’t have to eliminate meat suddenly or altogether in order to see big benefits. Make it exciting, keep it upbeat, and get your whole family involved. Some easy – and even fun – ways to kick start your shift toward meatless meals include:

Eliminate the worst offenders: red meats and processed items such as sausage or deli slices should be the first to go.

Hit the farmers’ market each week looking for a fruit or vegetable no one in your family has heard of, and learn to prepare it (or eat it raw!).

Make a list of favorite vegetarian meal items and snacks you already love and post it in your kitchen; add to it as you explore new options.

Create meat-free versions of your family’s favorite meals using alternate ingredients (e.g. spaghetti with veggies and marinara in place of Bologna) or meat substitutes to maintain flavor and texture consistent with your tastes.

Observe Meatless Mondays, and have each family member choose one plant-based dish to serve for dinner.

With all of the quality vegetarian foods and online resources available today, joining the growing meatless movement can be a breeze.

What are some of your favorite vegetarian and vegan meals? Have you found a great way to make a traditional dish meatless? I'd love to hear about it!