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 [...]]]>

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.®

OK, so we know that disposable water bottles are the devil’s work. And we’ve made our choice to not drink bottled water because we know that bottled water is 2,000 times more energy intensive than tap water. But with all of the water bottles out there, aren’t you tired [...]]]>

OK, so we know that disposable water bottles are the devil’s work. And we’ve made our choice to not drink bottled water because we know that bottled water is 2,000 times more energy intensive than tap water. But with all of the water bottles out there, aren’t you tired of hearing about BPA-this and cancer-causing-that? Maybe it’s time that we look back to an enduring and recyclable friend. Today, this friend comes in the form of a beautifully designed, 22oz, Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle.

Whoa! A glass water bottle?! Yup. Let me give you some reasons. For one thing, Lifefactory bottles will never leach any chemicals into your beverage because they are PVC-free, polycarbonate-free, and yes, BPA-free too. Plus, every part used to construct the bottles is FDA-approved. This also allows for great taste, and thanks to the elimination of that metallic tang you can get with other water bottles, you don’t have to feel like you have braces again. And best of all, all parts are reusable and recyclable. And if you don’t think that recycling glass is significant, think again. For every product that is made with 10% recycled glass, 2.5% of energy costs are saved. And is it really that taxing? No confusing numbers to remember. Glass can always be recycled; colored or clear. Personally, I can’t think of anything more satisfying or therapeutic than hearing my glass shatter at the base of the recycling bin. But right now, our report card isn’t looking so great. While the U.S. has an average glass recycle rate of 35%, Europe is leaps and bounds ahead with an average rate of 65%! In the U.S. we only recycle 2.5 million tons of the 17 million tons of glass produced in one year. Ouch.

OK. So it is good to recycle glass, and Lifefactory bottles are super safe and tasty, but won’t they break? Lifefactory decided to attack this issue in a brilliant way. They decided to cover their bottles in fu

Baby Clothing:

Not that I’m saying pink and blue are a thing of the past, but a green newborn, the organic sustainable green that is, is getting easier every day. And on track with you and your little ones sustainable lifestyle, BuyGreen has some pretty cool, very green, baby products.

Baby Clothing:

Organic Cotton Onesie (BuyGreen.com, $17.60)

There are not a lot of things cuter than a baby in his very first onesie. The Organic Cotton Onesie from BuyGreen is a great choice – made from organic cotton, each features a positive message with a cute graphic. Throw in the part they are fair trade and chemical free and we are cruising down highway sustainable.

Hemp Weebit (BuyGreen.com, $21)

To tie these looks together why not throw in an adorable pair of shoes? The Hemp Weebit is a small shoe big on green creds. The Hemp Weebit is made from recycled plastics, organic cotton, and you guessed it, hemp.

Personal Care:

FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper (BuyGreen.com, Starting at $185)

FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper is ideal if diapers are on your shopping list. A parent typically spends between $3,500 and $4,500 on disposables diapers for 3 years.  On top of the financials, disposable diapers simply pile up in landfills. FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper is a great fitting, highly adjustable cloth diaper that adds a touch of style to a diaper world weighed down with throw away creams and whites. And if you aren’t sold yet, check out FuzziBunz’s YouTube video…

Baby Accessories:

Wee-Go Glass Baby Bottles (BuyGreen.com, $11.99)

It seems like the potential for leaching chemicals is just about everywhere. Fortunately, Wee-Go Glass Baby Bottles come in with a revolutionary baby bottle. Don’t let the glass frighten you; these glass baby bottles are covered with a modern non-toxic silicone sleeve that will help protect the bottle from breakage and aid in gripping. The glass baby bottle and sleeve can also be boiled or put in the dishwasher together. The silicone nipple is latex free and non-toxic, and the plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable.

Re-Run Messenger Bag (BuyGreen.com, $74.95)

Talk about a great green story, all Re-Run bags are made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. We are talking approximately eight 600ml plastic bottles that would end up in a landfill finding a new home in each bag. Then there’s the part where the Re-Run Messenger Bag is light, comfy and well designed. In all, BuyGreen’s choice for messenger bag keeps baby, parent, and Mother Nature happy.

Traveling with a toddler is not the easiest thing in the world. You need lightweight, versatile gear, plenty of snacks, and LOTS of distractions. In your haste to prevent airport and airplane freakouts, you might forget to make eco-conscious choices. We’re here to help, with the essential green kit for traveling [...]]]>

Traveling with a toddler is not the easiest thing in the world. You need lightweight, versatile gear, plenty of snacks, and LOTS of distractions. In your haste to prevent airport and airplane freakouts, you might forget to make eco-conscious choices. We’re here to help, with the essential green kit for traveling with toddlers.

1. Want to carry a squirming 25-plus-pound child (what feels like) several miles to your departure gate? No? Then you’re going to need a foldable lightweight stroller. This one contains no lead, phthalates or PVC. It stores upright for easy gate-checking.

2. Staying at child-free friends’ or family members’ house? Bring a portable high chair. Choose one that folds down small when you’re not using it, and attaches to a table rather than standing on its own legs, otherwise it’ll be impossible to carry easily. Make sure any plastic on the high chair is listed as being BPA- and phthalate-free, and that any paint on steel frames is non-toxic.

3. Need a clean, green surface to change diapers while traveling, and don’t trust the cleanliness of the airplane changing table? Check out the Kalencom Quick Change Kit. It folds out into a changing pad, and includes a wipes case. There are two pockets to store fresh diapers, or dirty ones if you use cloth or aren’t near a trashcan. Kalencom kits are colored with AZO-free dye, and their easy-to-clean plastic surfaces are phthalate-free.

4. Wipes are essential, not only for changing diapers and cleaning food-covered faces, but also for cleaning potentially grimy surfaces your toddler will touch, such as the airplane tray table. Don’t bring separate cleaning wipes: make your regular baby wipes do double duty, and you’ll save room in your carry-on bag. Choose alcohol- and chlorine-free wipes, and if you and your toddler like scented wipes, try to ensure the fragrance comes from essential oils rather than chemicals.

5. Spill, diaper accident or other toddler-related mess? Cloth diaper user? (Bravo for keeping sposies out of the landfill!) You’ll need a wet bag to store soiled clothes or used diapers. These waterproof bags separate dirty or wet things from the rest of the items in your diaper bag or carry-on bag. Some are made of water-resistant polyurethane-lined fabric, which makes them non-biodegradable. However, PUL fabric is safe, and it’s still better to use these bags than to use plastic and toss it away, especially if you’re traveling and might not have a place to recycle a plastic bag. Wet bags are machine-washable and can be used many times, so even if you’ve got one that’s made of PUL fabric, you’re being more eco-conscious than if you stored dirty items in a paper or plastic sack. This being said, make sure you pick a wet bag that’s PVC-free.

6. Worried the little one will go stir-crazy on the plane? Stock up on some new books and toys. Parental wisdom dictates that if your toddler hasn’t seen or played with something before, it’s more likely to hold his or her interest. You don’t have to buy new things: arrange a toy and book swap with a parent of a similar-aged kid. If you do decide to hit the toy store, try to find books printed on recycled paper – even better, choose books about recycling and being kind to the earth! Toy-wise, pick up stuff that will fit easily in your carryon, and that can be used over and over again. Try the Aquadoodle, a water-based drawing tablet that saves paper by featuring two reusable drawing surfaces. Sprig Toys, Haba, Melissa and Doug, and Plan Toys are just a few of the most environmentally conscious, kid-safe toy brands on the market today.

7. Exhausted upon arrival at your destination? Put Junior to bed, and relax with a nice glass of sustainably grown wine. You deserve it.

Cradle cap. Snot. Head lice. (Ew.) If you have kids, chances are you’re going to have to deal with one or more of these ick-inducing afflictions, probably multiple times. If you don’t like the idea of lathering your child’s head with pesticides or coal tar, here are some natural, eco-friendly alternative [...]]]>

Cradle cap. Snot. Head lice. (Ew.) If you have kids, chances are you’re going to have to deal with one or more of these ick-inducing afflictions, probably multiple times. If you don’t like the idea of lathering your child’s head with pesticides or coal tar, here are some natural, eco-friendly alternative products you can use.

Head lice love little kids. From ages 3 to 12, your child’s very likely to get them. Lice aren’t dangerous and don’t spread disease, but they itch like crazy, and who wants a head full of creepy crawlies? Many conventional lice shampoos and treatments contain pesticides such as permethrin, malathion and lindane. Like the stuff sprayed on traditionally grown crops, the pesticide in lice shampoo has been linked to cancer. Attachment-parenting guru Dr. William Sears recommends LiceMD, a pesticide-free product that contains dimethicone. This polymer makes hair slippery, which allows a lice comb to slide through easily and brush out those critters and their eggs. Because it doesn’t contain pesticides, you can use it as often as you need to.

Other natural delousing treatments, like Fairy Tales shampoo and conditioner, use essential oils like rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil. These kill existing lice and repel any new ones that are considering visiting your child’s scalp. Opinions differ on whether essential-oil-based products kill lice eggs, so use a lice comb every 3-4 days during treatment to comb all the eggs out of your child’s hair.

Your baby isn’t even three months old yet, and he already has dandruff! Sound familiar? Then you’re dealing with cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis. There are lots of shampoos and moisturizers on the market that claim to treat scaly, greasy little scalps. However, they are often full of potentially harmful ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate and parabens, which can cause allergic reactions and may even be carcinogenic. Shampoos with coal tar or salicylic acid are also not a good idea. Coal tar is a known human carcinogen. Salicylic acid is possibly toxic and bioaccumulative, meaning it’s hard for humans and animals to excrete from their bodies, and its concentration gets higher as it moves up the food chain. One of the simplest ways to treat cradle cap is with plain old olive oil. (Mineral oil can irritate baby’s skin further, plus it’s a petroleum product – not very green.) Rub it gently into your baby’s scalp. You can use a soft-bristled brush to help the de-scaling process. There are also some good natural cradle-cap products on the market, such as Mustela Stelaker, which contains aloe vera to moisturize baby’s scalp, while leaving out fragrances and parabens. Its alpha hydroxy acids help skin cells turn over more quickly, so that flakes and scales are gone.

Ever tried to teach a stuffed-up toddler how to blow her nose? Yeah, it doesn’t work so well. Nasal bulb aspirators do an OK job, but most are very hard to clean, and they may be made of PVC. Some fancier models of aspirator do the booger-sucking for you, and are even battery-powered – meaning these products add stuff to the waste stream. The Nosefrida is a mucus-removing device that you power yourself. You put one end up to your baby’s nostril – unlike traditional aspirators, you don’t have to insert the Nosefrida into the nose. Then you take the other end, put it to your mouth, and suck that snot out! Sounds incredibly gross, right? Don’t worry – there’s a small disposable foam filter between you and the boogers. (This is my one gripe with this product: I wish there was a way to come up with a reusable filter, so these little pieces of foam wouldn’t have to go into the landfill.) The body of the Nosefrida is made from BPA- and phthalate-free polypropylene. Because you control the suction, you can make sure you’re not hurting your baby, but you can also ensure that you’re clearing her nasal passages effectively. To clean it, stick a small bottle-brush down into it, and then throw it in the dishwasher to disinfect it.

Boogers and scaly scalps are gross, and so are “cooties.” Now you can help your kids get rid of them without polluting your surroundings, and their bodies, with (even more gross) chemicals.

You know the drill: You go to a kid’s birthday party, you leave with a swag bag. Often, though, the party favors inside aren’t particularly eco-friendly. You might get a couple of dodgy plastic bath toys, a board book, and some candy, which your child will probably shove in his or [...]]]>

You know the drill: You go to a kid’s birthday party, you leave with a swag bag. Often, though, the party favors inside aren’t particularly eco-friendly. You might get a couple of dodgy plastic bath toys, a board book, and some candy, which your child will probably shove in his or her mouth quicker than you can say “High fructose corn syrup!” Here are some ideas for greener party favors – and they’re all under $10, so you can buy one for each of the little guests at your kid’s next get-together.

Bud takes the traditional rubber duckie bath toy and puts a fun twist on it. Give kids a Space Duck, complete with a clear plastic space helmet and orange NASA jumpsuit. Darling Duck is turquoise with cute white polka dots; Rock Duck is black with red skull-and-crossbone logos; Love Duck has hot pink hearts on a bright pink background; and, for little ghouls, Horror Duck has gory red blood splatters on his smiling face. All Bud bath ducks are made of phthalate-free plastic.

Printing new books involves cutting down trees; bleaching paper involves releasing possibly carcinogenic products into our water. It’s much greener to go to the library, and to buy used books. That doesn’t really fly at a kid’s birthday party, however. Enter Green Start recycled board books. They’re made from 98% post-consumer recycled materials, and printed with soy-based ink. They’re not only green on the outside; each book contains a story about nature and our effects on it. There are four titles to choose from, covering subjects like the ecosystem that surrounds a single tree, and where different baby animals live. You’re buying a “new” book for your party guests, but still staying green, and hopefully educating growing minds in the process.

Swag-bag plundering often leads to candy consumption, which in turn leads to one hopped-up kid. It’s well-nigh impossible to stop young ’uns from eating sweets at a birthday party, and near cruel to take away their goodie bags after the festivities (unless your kid has a bona-fide sugar issue, in which case you’re completely justified in nixing the candy). You can do a bit of damage control by giving out organic, natural candy at your kids’ birthday parties. YummyEarth makes a line of organic lollipops you can buy in bulk. They’re all-natural, colored with red cabbage and purple carrots, and flavored with organic extracts. The 150-count container is $18.85, which means each lollipop will set you back 13 cents. Sure, Junior will still be on a sugar high, but without the usual extra kick of artificial colors and flavors.

Depending on the ages of your kids and the age group attending the birthday party, there are plenty of other excellent green options for party favors. Stay green by picking books and toys made of recycled paper, phthalate-free plastic, or wood. Choose cuddly toys constructed of organic fabric and stuffing, and get candy that contains natural/organic colors and flavors. Other moms and dads will be grateful that you aren’t filling their homes – or their kids – with junk.

When Barry Cik learned he was going to be a grandfather, he went out looking for the perfect organic crib mattress. Strange choice of baby gift? Not for Cik: he’d been an environmental engineer for the past 25 years. He knew all about the dangerous chemicals in conventional crib mattresses, and he wanted [...]]]>

When Barry Cik learned he was going to be a grandfather, he went out looking for the perfect organic crib mattress. Strange choice of baby gift? Not for Cik: he’d been an environmental engineer for the past 25 years. He knew all about the dangerous chemicals in conventional crib mattresses, and he wanted a healthy alternative for his family’s new arrival.

What Cik found disappointed him. Most of the organic mattresses were made with wool or latex, both of which can cause allergic reactions. The mattresses also weren’t waterproof: one leaky diaper or spit-up episode, and mold would begin to grow on or in the mattress, with no way to clean it properly. Cik decided to take matters into his own hands. He and his two sons founded Naturepedic, a company that makes organic, non-toxic crib mattresses. The company’s now so successful that it’s branched out into changing pads, adult-size mattresses, pillows and sheets.

Green mattresses are important, especially for babies. Conventional mattresses are often treated with flame-retardant chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. These chemicals can have a significant negative impact on a baby’s growing brain, possibly causing developmental delays and behavioral changes. They’ve also been linked to SIDS. While states like California and Maine have begun prohibiting the use of PBDEs as flame retardants, plenty of mattresses still contain them. Naturepedic’s No Compromise crib mattress uses a nontoxic fire retardant instead. It’s a GreenGuard-certified piece of baby furniture, meaning it doesn’t release chemicals that affect indoor air quality, and it’s safe for children and schools to use. It won’t harm your baby or the environment.

Conventional crib mattresses use vinyl and PVC as a waterproof layer: these materials can release potentially dangerous chemicals over time. Instead, the No Compromise mattress uses nontoxic food-grade polyethylene. Many hypoallergenic mattresses shield you from dust mites with a latex layer. If the latex is at least 97% natural and doesn’t contain petrochemicals – and as long as you’re not allergic to latex – this is good. Some use a layer of wool to prevent allergens from entering the mattress. Again, this is good, provided that you’re not allergic to wool. The No Compromise mattress’s polyethylene layer repels dust mites without off-gassing or provoking possible allergic reactions. There’s also a seamless version, without the piping at the edges mattresses usually have, that provides even more protection against allergens.

Crib mattresses should be on the firmer side, to prevent infants from rolling over on soft bedding and potentially suffocating. Cotton-filled mattresses, however, have a reputation for being uncomfortably hard. The No Compromise is indeed firm, but not rock-hard. It stands up well to a boisterous toddler jumping on it, but it’s comfy enough for little ones to sleep safe and sound. Naturepedic also makes a two-sided crib mattress that features a firmer side for infants, and a slightly cushier side for toddlers. All Naturepedic mattresses are filled with organic cotton: dyes and bleach used in regular cotton can cause skin rashes and other allergies. Organic cotton is grown without chemical pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, which means fewer chemicals in your little one’s nursery.

Naturepedic makes organic mattresses for every type and shape of crib: as well as the standard rectangular version, there’s a bassinet mattress, a cradle pad, a portacrib/Pack N Play-style pad, and even an oval mattress. Naturepedic helps you treat your baby with care while also protecting the environment he or she will grow up in. Check out Naturepedic crib mattresses here.

Fashion lovers with money to spend may search far and wide for the for the trendiest sweater designs that are made from what is said to be one of the softest and most luxurious products on earth. But let’s face it, many of those with money to spend on fashion, discard [...]]]>

Fashion lovers with money to spend may search far and wide for the for the trendiest sweater designs that are made from what is said to be one of the softest and most luxurious products on earth. But let’s face it, many of those with money to spend on fashion, discard their clothing picks with the seasons without even thinking about those poor sheep that took all the effort to grow their undercoat, and the factory workers that spent hours upon hours to spool the pricey wool.

TeddyLux is an eco-friendly company that doesn’t let the hard work of the sheep and the factory workers’ hard work go to waste by letting the cashmere sweaters end up in the cashmere graveyard. Instead, they recycle the discarded fashion items and turn them into some of the most luxurious and soft and cuddly toys available for children; and the knowledge that they’re eco-friendly through their use of recycled materials doesn’t hurt either.

TeddyLux handpicks cashmere sweaters and hand makes its one of a kind recycled baby and children’s toys which have all of the benefits of cashmere, for the most luxurious feel, without the cost that can come along with purchasing the items since their materials are reclaimed. TeddyLux, true to its namesake, makes recycled cashmere teddy bears; available in pink, blue or a neutral shade of brown or beige; and they’ve also got elephants, bunnies, and plush baby rattles which are all eco-friendly. Naturally, since the toys are each individually made, and cashmere sweaters are sourced for each product, the shade of each color ordered can vary from what’s available on the website, which makes each shipment even more unique.

If you’re in search of a toy for a new baby or a child who only deserves the best with products that are environmentally sound, unique and luxurious, then TeddyLux is the place to check out!

This recently reintroduced reproduction red rocker is ragin’?  If your toddler could alliterate, this is what she’d say.  Seriously.

Knu, a sustainably-focused modern furniture manufacturer in Michigan, has indeed introduced a reproduction of the 60′s classic kids rocker (predictably) called the Red Ball Rocker.  Which is to say they’ve restarted production [...]]]>

This recently reintroduced reproduction red rocker is ragin’?  If your toddler could alliterate, this is what she’d say.  Seriously.

Knu, a sustainably-focused modern furniture manufacturer in Michigan, has indeed introduced a reproduction of the 60′s classic kids rocker (predictably) called the Red Ball Rocker.  Which is to say they’ve restarted production of a very cool rocking-horse substitute that eschews the long horse face and faux fur for a gleaming red ball and chic design.  They’ve also replaced the potential ‘made for children by children’ vibe with ‘made in the USA from FSC certified materials by a company that geniunely cares about the environment’ vibe.  So how ’bout that pardner. Pretty nice indeed ma’am.

So sure, the Knu Red Ball Rocker may end up being the sleakest, most sophisticated, best deisgned item in your living room, and that’s a little unnerving – but come on, anything that can be ridden down the cellar stairs should not be taken too seriously!  It’s a kids toy – go on an enjoy the design, the earth friendliness, and your own shiny reflection in the red ball while your little one is napping.  We won’t tell.