IzzitGreen » Health & Beauty

Best of the Best from 2011

Alina Jesien — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:01:56 +0000

It’s always fun to look back. We have a lot of new exciting things coming up for IzzitGreen this year in our quest to find you the best good-green stuff to and support the companies that care. To bring in the new year let’s see what people were talking about in 2011. Here are our top 10 most popular posts from last year.

1. House of Marley Headphones: eco-conscious headphones of superior quality and style made by a company honestly committed to giving back, but would Bob approve?

2. Eco-Friendly Kids’ Party Favors: some awesome ideas for filling favor bags at your child’s next birthday party that will wow their friends, parents and the eco-minded.

3. How to Recycle Butane Fuel Canisters: examines a nifty little tool that can help you easily and responsibly dispose of your used camping stove fuel canisters.

4. Pet-Safe and Eco-Friendly Lawn Care: some advice on fertilizers, pest control and weed killers that are safe for the planet and pets.

5. Eco-Barefoot Running Shoes Guide: the final installment of a three part series that outlines the top ten sustainable barefoot running shoes out there.

6. Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats: an in-depth look at different types of sustainable yoga mats and some recommendations for mats to try.

7. Very Eco Wedding Guest Dresses: fashionable and Earth-friendly options to turn heads at your next special occasion.

8. Top 10 Bamboo Lingerie, Organic Intimates and Eco-Underthings: a countdown of the top pics of stunning and feel-good pieces that are sure to please. Who ever said that eco couldn’t be exciting?!

9. 21 Bamboo and Organic Yoga Pants: an extensive list of the best yoga pants, shorts and capris from companies with a conscience.

10. Smaller Footprints with Recycled Material Tents: a rare look at two tents using recycled materials that you may have never heard of.

From all of us at IzzitGreen, thanks for all of your support to make 2011 an amazing year. Onward and upward!

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The Facts of Life…Can We Talk Honestly?

Kent Shanklin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:14:07 +0000

“What is a nice girl like you doing in the funeral business? “ A question that Cathy Boomer is often asked. To answer the question tells the story of someone who knows what it’s like to lose close family members. It tells the story of perseverance, and it tells the story of a desire to bring more choices to the Kansas City area for funeral care.

After a trip to Australia about 8 years ago, Cathy saw a storefront in a neighborhood in Sydney that looked inviting. “With flowers in the flower boxes and an awning on the street, it looked like a store that I would want to shop in.” After returning to the States and doing some research, she discovered that the shop – Simplistic Funerals – had all of the same services that we offered here in America, but it was just packaged differently. Instead of being an intimidating environment, it looked like a place that you would be comfortable entering.

Since that life-altering experience, Cathy has become a licensed Funeral Director and opened up her own personal vision of that storefront, Signature Funerals, located at 8019 State Line Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Locally owned, Signature Funerals has created a warm and inviting place to meet with families, along with space for small visitations and services. Cathy and her experienced Funeral Care team work closely with families to determine exactly what they need, the best place for their services, what to include, etc. “More than anything, I give them permission to openly discuss options and items for the funeral that they may not have at other funeral firms in Kansas City.” Those options may range from a service location that is a very traditional church setting or it might be at the Pilgram Chapel, the Johnson County Arboretum, a local park, or perhaps even the Midland Theatre, a Kansas City landmark.

Signature Funerals believes in education and making sure you understand the process before you or a loved one has a need. “When you’re being educated about the process in the middle of the need, it is incredibly difficult. To have confidence in your decisions, it is important to know about the process, your options, and start to think about what you want to communicate to your family about your wishes,” says Cathy. These wishes might even include a green funeral.

IzzitGreen: Cathy, you talk about Green Funerals – what does that mean, and is that something that’s new here in the United States?

Cathy: I see a Green Funeral as a process that can be implemented in steps. Some might see cremation as a green funeral option with the ashes being returned to the environment – earth or water – in a number of different ways. Others that are measuring carbon footprint might see a natural burial in a woolen shroud or biodgradable casket made of natural wood, wicker or rattan as an efficient or green burial. So, whether you are selecting an urn made of salt or sand or burial in a natural setting, there are a number of green options.

IzzitGreen: It seems as though the funeral business never changes. Have there been any major innovations in the last century?

Cathy: When you look at innovation in every other industry over the last 50-100 years and compare it to the funeral industry, there has been very little change in our industry. That said, the popularity of cremation as a final option has increased to nearly 50% across the United States versus the traditional process of a visitation at the funeral home followed by a funeral at a church. While this decision is often financially based because cremation costs so much less, it inserts CHOICE back into the situation and puts the control back into the hands of the consumer. No longer is a grieving family forced into making decisions because the funeral home – who’s been in business for generations upon generations – tells them it has to be a certain way.

Across the board, buying patterns have changed as well. Whereas 50 years ago someone would go to a local family-owned hardware store, for example, now they go to Home Depot. And with clothing, instead of asking the clerk at the local dress shop to “show me all of your blue dresses,” now you browse through the racks yourself and ask questions only when needed, or you avoid it all together and simply shop online.

In the funeral care business, historically, everything has been handled and controlled by the Funeral Director, leaving consumers and families uncomfortable and unhappy with the process and the experience. Add on top of that exhaustion, overwhelming grief, and limited or no prior education about this important event and what needs to take place, it can be even further devastating.

IzzitGreen: You talk about “permission,” which is such an important concept. Can you elaborate?

Cathy: At Signature Funerals we believe that permissions are so important! Permission to make different choices based on all of the options available, and to think differently and outside the box, so to speak. A funeral is the ultimate celebration of someone’s life, and it’s important to tell their story in the manner in which it should be told. That doesn’t always mean doing things the same exact way that other family members, friends, and neighbors have done it.

For a friend or family member who has passed that was not religious, people need to understand that it’s OK to hold a service in a non-religious location, yet still have a pastor or funeral celebrant lead the service. And it’s OK to have both a visitation and service at the same location. This works especially well when there are older friends and relatives who are less mobile, and when the crowd is larger and logistics are a challenge. We held a beautiful service at a famous Kansas City landmark recently which opened a lot of eyes and hearts to what we can do and what a funeral can be.

While these are just a few mere examples, the point is that whether told through special music, poems, scripture, personal reflections, or a special location, the story deserves to be told in a manner that reflects the life of the loved one. And whatever the preferences for location and cost, there are endless choices. We encourage everyone to take time to think about those choices before the need arises, and give yourself permission to go about it your own way if that’s the way you choose.

IzzitGreen: We’re so impressed. Besides your warm and inviting location and setting, what else sets you apart from the other locally owned firms and corporate funeral companies?

Cathy: What is most important to our firm is that a valuable service to families in our community is affordable and the experience is updated to this century. From a modern setting to prices that are 30-60% less than a corporate owned funeral home, it is important to have additional choices for your funeral care. What’s most important to Signature Funerals is personal service and a comforting experience for the lives of those we touch in Kansas City.

For more information on green funeral options, funeral planning, or to contact Cathy Boomer directly, Signature Funerals can be reached in Kansas City at (816) 214-5174 and on the web at www.signaturefunerals.com.

Everyone loves the dentist…right?

Kent Shanklin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:15:50 +0000

OK, let’s be honest here, common phrases such as “it’s like getting teeth pulled” didn’t come from anybody’s “fun” experience in the dentist chair. Matter of fact, nothing’s quite as unsettling as being tilted back with a stranger’s hands in your mouth, sharp instruments coming at you, and that annoying little sucking tool hooked to the side of your mouth. But it’s a fact of life, because after all, total body health really does start in the mouth. And oral hygiene is critical in maintaining a healthy heart, and staying on top of your game.

While we haven’t seen innovation in the oral care space in some time, a company in Oregon has emerged as a real leader in organic and sustainable oral care products. Since 2003, Tooth Soap® has grown to become the best natural, non-toxic alternative to toothpaste. Tooth Soap®, made with organic whole foods, natural and wildcrafted sustainable ingredients, flawlessly cleans teeth and gums by scrubbing fissures and pits in teeth (the most common place for cavities) to remove oils, residues and other contaminants. Tooth Soap® leaves teeth absolutely clean allowing re-mineralization of teeth to occur naturally. They offer a complete line of oral and beauty care products, and even have products for pets. But certified kosher toothpaste? Who knew!

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has deemed their products to be novel, and will be issuing the patent in the coming months. Now that’s great news, and quite an accomplishment. At IzzitGreen, we love innovation, we marvel at thinking outside the box, and we absolutely support and admire the little guys taking it to the big guys. And we’re here to help. It’s not only the American Way, it’s the GREEN way!

So check out our friends at Tooth Soap® to purchase their entire line of oral and beauty care products, and ask for them at your local health, beauty, and grocery store. They stand behind their all natural products 100% and offer a 90-day no-hassle, no-questions-asked guarantee.

Everything’s Better with Justin’s Butters!

Kent Shanklin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:55:29 +0000

As avid hikers, outdoor lovers, and regular “on-the-go-Joes,” IzzitGreen couldn’t have been more excited to come across organic peanut, almond, and hazelnut butters from Justin’s in Boulder, Colorado. We nearly passed out when we found out that Justin’s also makes milk and dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Just think – a tastier and healthier version of that famous candy that rhymes with “pieces.” Needless to say, we’re hooked.

There are so many things that we like about Justin’s – all of their nut butters are made in small batches to preserve premium quality standards and fresh taste; they source local and organic ingredients as often as they can get their hands on them; they have innovative “knead & squeeze” packets that are easy to shove in pockets, briefcases, and lunch boxes; and they’re focused on sustainability and reducing their environmental impact and footprint. The fact that they’re Rainforest Alliance Certified just puts the icing on the cake…or the chocolate on the nut, in this case.

Justin’s is not only delicious, they’re made with the highest quality and most healthful ingredients money can buy. And it shows in the nutritional benefits: each one of the delicious flavors has 6-7 grams of protein per serving and is completely free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, gluten and dairy. They’re also low in carbohydrates, completely vegetarian, and certified kosher. And if that’s not enough, the nutrient-rich almonds have been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. So if milk “does a body good” as they say, then Justin’s just might “do a body better!”

Founded as a cottage industry by Justin Gold in 2002, Justin’s has grown into a successful national brand with a loyal following of passionate customers. Look for Justin’s at your local grocer or order their products online at Justin’s Online Store. And while you’re at it, check out our mutual friends over at Conscious Alliance. They’re partnering with bands we listen to every day to collect and distribute food to those in need. Such a great concept, and we’re on board.

Portions of this review were taken from www.justinsnutbutter.com.

Go! Bamboo Towel, For Eco-People on the Go

Alina Jesien — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:08:04 +0000

For people on the go, many times convenience and speed take precedence over sustainability. Disposable and single use products are sadly the norm, but times are changing and soon paper towels like Styrofoam will be a thing of the past.

Bamboo Go! Towel is Useful and Sustainable

The Go! Towel by Luxe Bamboo solves some serious dilemmas for ultra minimalists and tree huggers alike. Before use this tiny towel is super packable and comes as a small disk, about the size of a few stacked Pogs. (For those of you who were never cool enough to play, Pogs are poker chip-sized cardboard disks.) Plus, one towel weighs less than two ounces! But the magic really begins when you introduce a little agua. Just add a few drops of water, or three tablespoons to be exact, and ta-da! Now you have a super strong, ultra absorbent, reusable towel that grows from teeny-tiny all the way to 12 x 20 inches! But wait, there’s more! The Go! Towel is made from 100% organically grown bamboo fiber that is unbleached, dye-free, unscented and naturally antibacterial. Not only does this towel come from a super sustainable source, but it also comes back full circle when you’re done with it. Just throw your Go! Towel into your compost pile or worm-bin and this biodegradable cloth will return to nature in four to six weeks.

How Will You Use Yours?

So how can one use such a magical towel? Oh let me count the ways. . .One, for traveling when every ounce counts. Two, for cooling off after or during exercise. Just wet the Go! Towel and throw it around your neck. It will trap air and cool it against your skin for an instant chill. Three, this bamboo towel dries soft, not crunchy, so it’s great for removing make-up and the fine bamboo fibers are extra gentle even on sensitive skin.. Four and five, as a coffee filter in a serious must-have-caffeine emergency or as a Swiffer replacement to clean the kitchen floor post spill. The next million ways include: for facials, as a handkerchief, in your golf bag, on a bike ride and the list goes on and on.

Luxe Bamboo is based in Santa Monica, CA and works tirelessly towards their mission of introducing people to the amazing bamboo fiber and its low environmental impact and beneficial properties. Consider their amazing towel for the perfect go-everywhere accessory or impress your guests at your next party or event, with responsible custom Go! Towels.

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: Luxe Bamboo

A Safe Zinc Sunscreen for You and the Environment

Alina Jesien — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:36:21 +0000

Just when you thought that sunscreen was your knight in shinning armor and faithful protector against harmful UVB and UVA rays, researchers everywhere are uncovering toxic-chemicals and environmentally degrading substances in the creams that are supposed to keep us safer. A recent study from the US Center for Disease Control found that almost 97% of Americans are contaminated by the harmful chemical oxybenzone found in many sunscreens. Yuk!

ECO Logical Skin Care has challenged the norm and taken advantage of extensive studies performed in Australia, where skin cancer rates per capita are the highest in the world, and where incredibly advanced research on sun exposure is heavily promoted. The result is one of the safest sunscreens around for you, your children and the environment.

ECO Sunscreen Protects You

ECO Sunscreen was given the highest overall score of 1 by the Environmental Working Group. The EWG is an independent research and information provider in the public health and environment sectors that works to expose threats to our health and the environment. ECO Sunscreen received this prestigious rating by keeping their sunscreen free of chemical UV absorbers, artificial preservatives and fragrances. ECO Logical uses only naturally and organically sourced, chemical-free ingredients that contribute to a sunscreen that is safe, balanced, antioxidant-rich, hypoallergenic and filled with nutritious support for your family’s skin. ECO Sunscreen uses non-whitening zinc to cut sun exposures as opposed to harmful chemicals found in many other sunscreens. ECO Logical offers this sun-blocker in three distinct formulas. The Face version is great under make-up and the non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula won’t clog your pores or weigh you down. ECO Sunscreen Body is best for all over protection and nourishment with antioxidants like green tea and grape seed. Finally, ECO Sunscreen Baby is filled with extra gentle moisturizers like shea butter and jojoba perfect for little ones or anyone with sensitive skin plus it has a no-sting eye benefit.

ECO Sunscreen Protects the Environment

While you’re slathering on protection you can also be helping to protect fragile marine life. ECO Sunscreen is the official sunscreen of the Surfrider Foundation, a powerful activist network committed to the protection of our oceans and beaches. ECO Sunscreen is biodegradable and lacks toxic UV absorbing chemicals that threaten marine life, including fragile corals. Plus, this zinc sunblock’s superior water resistance makes it a top choice for wave surfers everywhere. There is a lot of marine life out there, and it just happens to be maybe a little important in how things run around here. Do your part and choose a sunblock like ECO Sunscreen that is safe for you and the environment.

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: ECO Logical Skin Care, Morgue File

‘Green’ and Green Nail Polish for St. Patty’s Day

Renee Cornett — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:07:28 +0000

When you are out and about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day next week why not rock a green nail polish that is actually green? I am talking about protecting yourself and the environment while keeping the green St. Patrick’s Day spirit alive.

So, in honor of this very special occasion, and in check with keeping your beauty products on the eco-friendly side, here are our top choices for green and green nail polishes:

Scotch Naturals WaterColors

I will admit the first thing that attracted me to Scotch Naturals WaterColors is the bottle’s design –- it has classy eco-chic written all over it. But along with a wonderful aesthetic, and most important in our book, all Scotch Naturals polishes are water-based, non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals commonly found in other solvent-based products. They also landed a score of 1 out of 10 (low hazard) on Skin Deep’s Cosmetic Safety Database.

And on top of all the eco-chic goodness, their line is full of vibrant colors. My pick for St. Patty’s day is their Ceasefire, a shade of khaki and dark olive green.

When it comes time to remove the polish, Scotch Naturals also sells a polish remover that is specifically formulated for water-based polishes.

Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish

Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish is another water-based option that gets a ton of green cred from Skin Deep’s Cosmetic Safety Database, coming in at a nice low hazard score of 1 out of 10. Their water-based nail polish replaces chemical solvents like toluene and acetates with water. They also claim to be the only long lasting and quick drying nail polish on the market.

With these green creds and St. Patty’s day in mind, I would suggest their shade of Apple Green. Plus, this polish is vegan! Suncoat also provides a little more in depth product information on water-based nail polish, check it out for a little more light green reading.

Zoya Nail Polish

Answering to the names Tangy and Midori, Zoya has two hot shades of metallic green that will make any Irish kin jealous. They should also be super jealous of the vegan friendly formula that is free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and camphor –- a nasty slew of chemicals.

Zoya describes their polishes as the healthy new color of fashion and I’m pretty inclined to agree. Zoya also has a neat little concept they call color spoons. It’s a small spoon with the actual polish color that allows you to see a color before you buy it. Check out there video on this smart and easy step: Zoya Color Spoons on YouTube

American Apparel Nail Polish

American Apparel has 36 shades of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free nail polishes. And of those 36, they also have two unique shades of green for me to highlight, Hunter and Army Jacket. With the price being only $6 each, you can easily snag two of these for the same price many brands put on a single bottle of polish. Wallet and eco-friendly all in one!

Priti NYC’s Non-Toxic Polishes

Described as an opaque neon green, Priti’s Fishbone Cactus is my absolute favorite shade of green for St. Patty’s Day (of course I saved the best polish color for last!). Free of TFFFs and DBP, Priti’s polishes are made of organic compounds and non-toxic alternates. Plus, being FDA approved ups its green creds. And on top of all that they also offer a recycle your nail polish program with Chemwise chemical recycling and disposal.

Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish Remover

What kind of green friend would I be if I didn’t offer another non-toxic nail polish remover? A pretty lame one if you ask me. So like a good friend, and on top of Scotch Naturals option I mention above, check out Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish Remover. It’s an acetone-free formula enriched with goodies like horsetail extract to strengthen and vitamin E and aloe to soothe and protect.

Honeybee also meets environmental Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) standards set by the state of California and comes in with a score of 3 out of 10 (moderate hazard) from Skin Deep.

Image credits: Scotch Naturals, Suncoat, Zoya, American Apparel, Priti, Honeybee Gardens.

Organics with Class for Your Fine Irish Lass

Kent Shanklin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:37:54 +0000

While IzzitGreen is hitting the pavement to spread awareness about the environment, sustainability and everything GREEN, we always take time to care for our skin. And one company that we find too legit to quit, is Indigo Wild® in Kansas City.

These guys are on fire. Not only do we absolutely love and support their 100 percent natural and organic products, but their marketing department is genius. Not only do they share a similar sense of humor as our beloved mascot Izzit, but any company that makes outrageously good products AND makes us all laugh, is a company we want to work with.

This author happened to purchase the extra large Peppermint Zumbo Kiss Stick along with some mint soap as a Christmas gift. Needless to say, they were a SMASH hit!

Since then, I’ve ordered additional gifts such as the six-flavor Zum Pucker Pack that consists of regular sized lip balms in Vanilla, Grapefruit, Lemon-Ginger, Peppermint, Tangerine and Tea Tree-Lavender. Let me tell you. . . each one smells and tastes incredible. So pucker up, Buttercup . . . these things are the bomb!

But keep in mind, Indigo Wild® isn’t solely about the lips. They have a large and diverse product line that includes everything from bath and body soaps, rubs, scrubs and salts, to candles, baby products, pet products, products for men, sports products, natural cleaning products, samplers and gift sets. All are handmade using only natural ingredients and all come beautifully packaged.

For more information, please check out our friends at www.indigowild.com. Their products can be purchased directly, through Amazon.com, and look for them at your local specialty retailer.

As the company says . . . Indigo Wild® – Any more natural and you’d be naked.®

Lotions to Soothe Dry Winter Skin

Izzit Green — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:50:34 +0000

Winter is harsh, especially on your hands. In general, skin and hands are their driest in winter due to temperature and humidity levels being at their lowest.

And to care for dry hands and skin at home, there’s a vast number of hand lotions and creams on the market, however it’s important to take into account the ingredients in each product. The Environmental Working Group has a database, the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, which provides a search engine for products, ingredients or companies to discern how harsh the products you’re using are.

With that in mind, Izzit has found a few products that are worth checking out, based on their rating from Skin Deep as well as the companies’ green initiatives and goals.

Burt’s Bees Creams

Burt’s Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream ranks as a “moderate” hazard, according to the Skin Deep database, but the company’s goals make it a smart, green purchase.

Burt’s Bees is committed to stick to natural products, its web site says. Besides all their products being 99 percent natural — with over half at 100 percent natural — the company promises to disclose their ingredients and use packaging with post-consumer recycled materials. The company also believes in giving back through The Greater Good Foundation by pledging at least 10 percent of web site sales to their selected partners.

Not only is the company eco-friendly, in addition to their Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream (that includes sesame, macadamia nut and rosehip essential oils), they sell other types of hand moisturizers ranging from Naturally Ageless Skin Soothing Hand Cream (featuring pomegranate extract), to Beeswax and Banana Hand Creme. The Beeswax and Banana cream was called “super rich, all natural hand cream . . . with aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturize dry skin and beeswax to help seal and protect your hands from the elements.” Perfect for after you’ve just had to shovel your driveway clear of snow . . . again.

EO Hand Creams

EO’s hand cream ingredients rank as containing “low” hazards (ranked 2 out of 10) according to the Skin Deep database. EO is a family owned and operated company that is a Certified Organic Manufacturer of personal care products, the company web site says. To get their ingredients, EO uses sustainable sourcing because they “believe that we have a responsibility in the land stewardship that yields the ingredients which make up EO,” according to the web site. The bottles that the products come in are made from recycled PET bottles that were collected and re-cast. Not only does EO use natural ingredients and recycled materials to produce their products, but the company supports various community outreach programs, clinics and housing centers.

As for its hand creams, they are “ultra-hydrating” and “nourish dry skin with potent, soothing therapeutic ingredients.” Its French lavender cream contains essential oils, organic “five mushroom complex,” organic shea and cocoa butter, organic calendula and organic quinoa. It also offers hand creams in unscented, lemon verbena and chocolate & mint varieties.

Pangea Organics

Pangea Organics’ hand and body lotions also rank as a “low” hazard (2 out of 10) according to the Skin Deep ratings system. Pangea avoids petroleum, sulfates, synthetic preservatives and artificial colors and fragrances while using organic ingredients, sustainable agriculture and fair trade, according to the company’s web site.

Not only are Pangea’s products natural, the company participates in a partnership with the Women for Women International organization. In 2010, Pangea Organics pledged 5 percent of its profits to Women for Women International “to help women move from victims to survivors to active citizens.”

Well what about their hand and body lotions? They come in a variety of interesting combinations including Chilean Red Clover with Geranium & Grapefruit (described as “toning and rejuvenating”), Pyrenees Lavender & Cardamom (“invigorating antiseptic benefits”), Indian Lemongrass with Rosemary(“refreshing” and “de-stressing”) and French Chamomile with Sweet Orange and Lavender (“vitamin-rich” and “soothing”).

Burt’s Bees, EO and Pangea are among numerous companies that produce eco-friendly lotions and creams. When looking for an organic personal care product, keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate personal care products as organic unless it contains or is made of agricultural ingredients and can meet the USDA/National Organic Program guidelines.

By Melissa Turtinen

Image credits: Burt’s Bees, EO and Pangea.

Top Lip Balms: The Perfect Stocking Stuffers

Renee Cornett — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:43:35 +0000

Lip balm is the perfect holiday gift to tuck away in a Christmas stocking. And here at Izzit we wouldn’t want it to be any other kind than the organic, natural, fair trade type of lip balm. Here are my top finds for cool, green lip balms that will keep you hydrated and happy this holiday season.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Balm

Burt’s Bees is a classic lip balm, and green or not, it is one of the best lip balms on the market. So, lucky for you, it’s very green. Their main ingredient is beeswax, a totally natural wax made by bees. Their list of natural ingredients also includes coconut, sunflower and peppermint oils. I found this classic four-pack below on Drugstore.com. For those looking for something a little fruity, Burt’s Bees also has a classic bundle with a pomegranate twist, packing all the natural and hydration benefits of the original with a touch of antioxidants.

And if being 100 percent natural didn’t completely sell you, Burt’s Bees also uses post-consumer recycled content to box their lip balm.

Maple Taffy Lip Balm from Lush

Advertised as “a sweet vegan treat,” Maple Taffy Lip Balm from Lush hits close to the top of my list because of its playful nature and maple inspiration. It also brings me back to the days of my childhood spent collecting sap to boil down at our sugar shack. To give you a quick run down and background on the name: Maple Taffy is made when the maple sap — brought past the point of syrup — is poured over snow or ice. The result is a yummy maple treat.

Lush stays true to the maple flavor by making their Maple Taffy Lip Balm with 20 percent maple syrup from the sap of the maple tree. This vegan lip balm is also made with shea and illipe butter, super moisture adding ingredients.

Honest Kids by Eco Lips

What brought Eco Lips to my attention was their Honest Kids line. You can actually eat this lip balm! Pretty cool for that sneaky, I’m-putting-everything-in-my-mouth-when-you-aren’t-looking toddler. On top of being 100 percent edible, and flavor matched with Honest Tea’s kid’s line of organic thirst quenchers, this lip balm is USDA Certified Organic. They put it the best themselves, “ . . . feel at ease knowing the ingredients are pure and safe!”

Kiss My Face Organic Lip Balm

Kiss My Face has an extensive line of organic lip balms with SPF 15, almost so many varieties that picking the perfect lip balm may prove taxing. So might I suggest their Maple Sugar Lip Balm to stay in the wintery, holiday spirit? It’s also 100 percent natural, 93 percent organic and made by hand in Canada.

On a company note, Kiss My Face jumped on the organic and natural personal care products bandwagon over 25 years ago. They are dedicated to using organic and natural ingredients, additionally, most of their ingredients come from renewable resources that are environmentally sound. Check out their “Why Natural and Organic?” info page. My only beef, maybe next year Santa can bump that 93 percent organic content up to 100 percent organic.

Miessence Jaffa Lip Balm

Part of the Miessence Certified Organics Line, I found Miessence Jaffa Lip Balm online at BuyGreen.com. Having very high product standards, BuyGreen has easily become one of my go-to green sites. And Miessence Jaffa Lip Balm looks to live up to those standards. This lip balm uses certified organic cold-pressed and unrefined oils and therapeutic grade herb and flower extracts. And a little fun fact: All Miessence products are cold formulated so precious oils are never exposed to damaging heat. Not bad for a little tube of lip balm.

The Body Shop

My last lip balm stocking stuffer, but of course by no means the least, is The Body Shop’s Delipscious Tinted Lip Conditioner. This tinted lip conditioner is the bad boy of my lip balm list. Not only does it promise to hydrate, but it adds a tint of color and fruity flavor for those daring types. This balm also takes advantage of cold pressed ingredients including organic, virgin and Community Trade coconut oil. It also throws in Community Trade organic beeswax and cocoa butter, and food-grade natural watermelon and raspberry seed oils. Lots of organic, cold pressed, community goodness all in one well designed little tube.

Image credits: Drugstore.com, LUSH, Eco Lips, Kiss My Face, BuyGreen, The Body Shop.