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Best of the Best from 2011

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, beauty, best posts, camping, chic, eco, Eco Friendly, gift, health, natural, new years, non-toxic, organic, organic cotton, Pets, recycled, shoes, sports, Style, Sustainable, women, yoga

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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Eco-Snowboards Carve Out a Spot for Niche

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, eco, Eco Friendly, eco snowboard, green, hemp, non-toxic, organic cotton, outdoors, snowboards, sports, sustainable wood, women

Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate through the massive monster that is the snowboard marketplace as a rider or a company. Since 2009 Niche snowboards has been steadily carving out its own cubbyhole in the industry. Soon you’ll see why IzzitGreen took some serious notice, for reasons other than Niche’s steller mascot choice.

Based in Salt Lake City, UT Niche Snowboards is set apart from the masses through its complete and ground-up dedication to environmentally friendly construction materials. Niche is on a crusade to de-toxify the snowboard industry and is leading by example with a line of minimal impact snowboards.

Aether

The Aether, for example, is Niche’s answer for the all-mountain freestyle rider. This versatile board has a sustainably harvested poplar core for a mid-stiff flex. It also uses Niche’s Snappy-Sap(TM) bio-resin that, as you might imagine, is made from bio-renewable materials as opposed to the commonplace petroleum-based epoxies. Not only does this resin have a much lower environmental impact, but its incredibly strong bonding ability saves your board from the horror of delamination. Awesome.

Minx

This tricksy Minx park board was made just for the ladies, but don’t worry, no need to be gentle. Niche’s Magma Fiber (TM) is constructed from basalt, which as we all know from seventh grade science class, forms when volcanic lava cools. Magma Fiber (TM) provides a huge improvement over fiberglass. Not only is this magic material stronger, more elastic and lighter, but it is non-toxic, much easier to recycle and avoids the greenhouse gases that are released during fiberglass processing. So start hitting the boxes with this awesome eco-ride, and stop contributing to the bra tree.

Hoodie

Although primarily a hardgoods company, I had to throw in the Niche Hoodie. Available in either a hemp and organic cotton or bamboo and organic cotton blend, these long-fit hoodies are perfect for a little apres board and could even double as a dress for the ladies. The selective vertical branding and thumb holes are details that are as refreshing as they are full of attitude.

So much to say, such little space. So, make sure to check out all of Niche’s ecological know-how on its technologies page. Even though this awesome company is triumphing in its own eco-corner, I can only hope that the rest of the industry will smarten up and follow suit. We are in for a long, snowy winter. Trust me, I have a knack for these things. Time to grab your board (or sticks if that’s your thing) and pray for pow.

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Image Credit: Niche Snowboards

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

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Health & Beauty, Sports & Fitness, Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, bamboo towel, beauty, cosmetics, cycling, gift, golf, natural, sports, Sustainable

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.

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Image Credit: Luxe Bamboo

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Bamboo and Organic Active Wear from Green Apple

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Style, Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, chic, eco, Eco Friendly, gift, health, natural, non-toxic, organic, organic cotton, water, women, yoga

Green Apple Active Wear began in 2004 when accomplished athletic designer Cristofer Smith saw the need for a better product. Based in Manhattan Beach, California, Green Apple is passionate about creating products that offer healthier and more natural alternatives to the chemical-laden synthetics that much of the sportswear industry relies upon. With such a credible mission, its no wonder that ever since it’s birth this playful, unique and Earth conscious company has flourished.

Green Apple’s products are constructed with an eco-friendly organic cotton and bamboo blend using bamboo that is organically grown on farms certified by OCIA and NOP. The fibers used by Green Apple are also Oeko-Tek certified, meaning that they have been put through the highest quality processing and are tested at the end stages to ensure that they are free of chemicals. Green Apple uses only eco-friendly dyes that offer a 60% lower impact than other dyes used in the industry.

The entire eco-collection is just begging to be layered and mixed, but here are my top picks.

Kasmir Cami

This stylish Kasmir Cami is decorated with eco-friendly, water-based prints and has a dainty y-back that is feminine and sporty. This tank has a longer cut to stay in place while you move and the stretchable, lightweight fabric is naturally breathable to keep you cool.

Elise Sport Bra

The elastic straps inside the Elise Sport Bra provide ultimate comfort and control, but this full-coverage bra is stylish enough to be worn alone. The beautiful v-neckline and criss-cross back are sure to turn some heads whether you’re in a yoga studio or Zumba class.

Congo Hoodie

The Congo Hoodie pairs perfectly with yoga pants or jeans, and goes especially well with the Congo Yoga Flare Pants. The contrast stitching and water-based print in the hood create an original and classy look, while the streamlined cut creates a graceful silhouette.

Congo Yoga Flare Pants

These top selling yoga pants show off your best with a praise-worthy cut and contrast waistband. Green Apple didn’t forget the small details with the addition of a cute logo embroidered on the back of the leg and raw hem so that you can cut the pants to your perfect length.

Fitted Yoga Short

The Fitted Yoga Shorts are ideal for summer workouts and hot yoga, thanks to the breathable eco-fabric that wicks sweat while you work. The wide waistband and flat seams keep things comfortable and the well placed stitching complements your back side.

For your next workout, breath easy and put something clean and natural against your skin.

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Image Credit: Green Apple

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21 Bamboo and Organic Yoga Pants

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Style, Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, chic, eco, Eco Friendly, gift, health, organic, organic cotton, women, yoga, yoga capri, yoga pants, yoga shorts

The quest for achievement of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility starts with super comfortable, eco yoga wear. Whether you’re into Hatha, Ashtanga or Hot Yoga, there are bamboo, eucalyptus or organic yoga pants that are perfect for your every pose. Take a look as Izzit counts up 21 of our favorite organic and bamboo yoga pants.

Numbers 1-4

1. Green Apple Clea Jean Legging: These super cute and unique yoga jeggings are a stylish and soft combination of bamboo, certified organic cotton, and spandex.

2. Restore Eco Yoga Pants: The Restore recycled bottoms offer premium “Muffin Top minimizing” benefits thanks to the flattering fit and contoured waist that is slightly higher in the rear.

3. Organic Cotton Cobra Capri: With a flat waistband these capri style organic yoga pants work great as leggings and are perfect for your yoga class to hot date transition.

4. Shining Shakti Yoga Pants: These hand-dyed, organic cotton yoga pants are a great way to add some energizing color to your daily poses.

Numbers 5-8

5. Harem Knickers by Prana: These lightweight bamboo yoga pants have a very elegant drape that allows for full freedom of movement through all of your salutations.

6. OM Girl Practice Pant: The attached skirt detail and bootcut legs add some stylish and unique flair to these wear-everywhere organic cotton yoga pants.

7. Bhakti Ware Lotus OM Pants: A super-soft blend of organic cotton and spandex and beautiful hem artwork create a very eye-catching and comfortable pair.

8. Blue Canoe Bamboo Easy Pant: With a wide folding waistband and relaxed cut, these bamboo and organic cotton yoga pants are a must-have for some serious relaxation and stretching.

Numbers 9-12

9. Sauipe Short Shorts: These yoga short shorts come in a ton of fun colors and are perfect for Hot Yoga and showing off those legs.

10. Hyde Cropped Divine Drawstring Pant: Made with an organic cotton and spandex blend these trendy crops offer ties at the knee for function and a feminine touch.

11. ecoKashmere Angel Pant from Jonäno: Softer than a cloud, the organic bamboo and spandex blend fabric forms a lean and elegant look as you float through your routine.

12. Yoga Tribe and Culture Leggings: Made with Organic Prima Cotton and some spandex, the many color options and stylish fake fly helped these cropped yoga leggings make Izzit’s list.

Numbers 13-16

13. 4-rth Women’s Pants: These great looking yoga pants will hold their shape and keep you cool all day thanks to their special ProModal material which is derived from Eucalyptus and Birch Trees raised on sustainable farms.

14. Patagonia Serenity Tights: Organic cotton and spandex come together again with a wide waistband that can be rolled up or down depending on your fancy.

15. Harem Yoga Shorts by Float Design: These stunning yoga shorts made with organic cotton and lycra show off a little extra leg with a sexy side fabric gather.

16. Beckons Wisdom Pant: These organic yoga pants offer activewear your way with a roll-down waist that can be adjusted to sit just where you want it to.

Numbers 17-20

17. Prancing Leopard Harem Pant: These stylish yoga pants are made with high quality Organic Turkish Long-fiber cotton and are ideal for high fashion in the studio and on the streets.

18. Gaiam Organic Side Slit Capri: These flexible capri pants are made with certified organic cotton and spandex and use only low eco-impact dyes.

19. Inner Waves Organics Pono Pants: The Pono Pants are designed with a beautiful diamond, cross-over waist that flatters and feels great.

20. YogaFit’s Bamboo Relaxed Pant: A relaxed fit bamboo yoga pant with cute rear pockets and a handy front drawstring.

Number 21

21. Asquith Bootleg Pants: And finally number 21, these organic yoga pants are a luxurious blend of organic cotton and jersey with a tasteful row of Swarovski crystals at the hem.

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Image Credit: Asquith

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Bamboo Skateboards and Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, bamboo skateboard decks, bamboo skateboards, Eco Friendly, handmade, hemp, hemp skateboards, non-toxic, skateboarding, sports, sustainable wood skateboards

Eco-friendly transportation comes in many forms. The best of these are powered by my calories; better for me and better for the planet. Most people immediately think of bikes, but for short trips many commuters are finding success with a good, strong deck and some fast spinning wheels. Sidewalk surfers never need to worry about where to park their vehicle or lock up their ride to deter pesky thieves. As eco-friendly skateboard companies look to more sustainable materials and practices, this healthy and blissfully simple transit method is looking greener and greener. Here are five of my favorite eco-friendly and bamboo skateboard companies.

1. Arbor Bamboo and Sustainable Wood Boards

Arbor, recently mentioned in USA Today, has a well deserved reputation for making beautiful and eco-friendly skateboards and longboards using sustainable materials for their decks, trucks and wheels. Sustainably sourced wood and bamboo create a unique mix while recycled glass grip tape, non-toxic water-based finishes, and recycled plastic risers serve up some serious green cred. Check out the Pin Bamboo for a beautiful bamboo longboard.

2. Sk8 Bamboo Boards

Sk8’s signature hybrid decks of 70% bamboo and sustainably sourced Canadian maple have served the company and their consumers well. Sk8 has high hopes of someday completely closing the loop from bamboo tree to discarded decks in their quest for cradle-to-cradle innovation. For a funky short deck, try the Sutsu Freeride.

3. Comet Sustainable Wood Skateboards

Comet manufactures its sustainable poplar and hickory cores in an impressive solar-powered factory in San Francisco. There are no posers here. Comet tirelessly continues to work with manufacturers in a quest to develop greener epoxies and coatings for their products. Graphics wise, I’m loving the FSM (Flying Spaghetti Monster) Longboard.

4. Habitat Eco-Alternative Boards

Habitat displays a wide eco-offering of decks made with hemp-ply and bamboo sealed with recycled plastics and treated with water-based paints, clear coat and glues. Their sustainably harvested cork top decks are a super rad option that eliminates the need for grip tape, and feels great under your favorite kicks.

5. Hendrick Bamboo Boards

Based in sunny California, Hendrick handcrafts maple and bamboo decks with unique artwork painted on the top deck that is visible through clear grip tape. Plus, with a purchase of one of the company’s “boards for barks” products, Hendrick will donate money to support a pet and animal welfare group. I am digging the Laguna Owl Short Board Deck.

So, push off and keep that leg pumping or, if you’re more into my style, find a downhill destination and let the good times fly. Maybe throw in an ollie and catch some air on the way. Air that just might be a little cleaner thanks to these guys.

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Image Credit: Arbor, Sk8, Comet, Habitat, Hendrick

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Top 10 Eco-NCAA Gear & Goods for March Madness

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Home & Garden, Sports & Fitness, Style Tagged bamboo, basketball, eco, Eco Friendly, fair trade, food, gifts, ncaa, organic, organic cotton, recycled, sports, Style

Show your true colors this season in a very green way. The NCAA March Madness Tournament is just around the corner and things always tend to get a little hoop-crazy at this time of year. It’s time to flaunt your loyalties to the Earth and to your favorite college team.

Izzit has rounded up 10 picks for green NCAA gear and goods to help see you through the month in style.

1. Fair Trade Sports Eco-Basketball

The Fair Trade Sports Eco-Basketball is just like the one the pros use but this ball is certified Fair Trade, vegan and eco-certified to bring your equipment to the next level.

2. Nike Sideline Performance Polo

For ultimate, “dri-FIT” comfort, the Nike Sideline Performance Polo offers quality embroidery and a modern look to help you support your favorite school in 100 percent recycled polyester style.

House of Marley Headphones: What Would Bob Think?

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Jim Hayes
Posted in Entertainment, Gadgets & Electronics, Home & Garden Tagged bamboo, Cause Related, eco, FSC Certified, headphones, recycled, Sustainable

Consider three events: In January 1981 at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, electronics companies announced future looking products known as the “camcorder,” the “compact disc player” and the Commodore VIC-20, the predecessor to the flashy Commodore 64. Four months later, on May 11, Jamaican national treasure Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36. Now jump forward 30 years to January 2011 when an upstart consumer electronics brand bearing the name House of Marley announced a full line of earphones, earbuds and iPod docks at CES 2011.

Let’s not dwell on the irony that the man who died that year is still culturally important, while “the future” represented by the baubles launched at Winter CES 1981 have long since suffered their demise at the hands of iPhones, HD Flips and Honeycomb tablets. Instead, let’s start more simply, as in: Bob Marley branded headphones? Seriously? What would Bob think of that? Read more »

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Arbor Snowboards Offer Sustainable Beauty

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness Tagged bamboo, eco, Eco Friendly, natural, non-toxic, outdoors, Recycled Packaging, snowboards, Sustainable, women

Sixteen years ago, Arbor Collective decided that it was time for the boardsports industry to step up and get more involved in protecting the environments from which shredders benefit. The folks at Arbor decided from the beginning to always strive to replace harmful and toxic materials with eco-friendly alternatives wherever they could. From their groundbreaking initiative and years of sustainable design, experience has emerged which has inspired the less-than-zero carbon-emitting company to produce some beautiful, beautiful snowboards.

The Venice, California-based company does a lot of great work with bamboo, which not only creates some stunning top sheets, but also provides amazing durability, snap and feel. Bamboo isn’t such a poor choice for the earth either as it’s the world’s fastest growing plant, making it incredibly renewable. The cultivation of bamboo also requires no pesticides and it is handpicked using traditional methods as opposed to the machinery-heavy methods used with other plants. When compared to a similar grove of trees, bamboo absorbs more CO2 and releases more oxygen back into the environment than the woody competition.

The Push Snowboard

I was personally enchanted by the Women’s Arbor’s Push Snowboard several years ago. A true freeride board, the Push was everything I wanted and more. The reliability and control inherent to the design allows for a confidence-inspiring ride with dialed turn initiation and speed. It’s the perfect choice for any woman who loves to “surf the mountains,” as Arbor likes to say.

The Element Snowboard

Another standout in the Roots Series of snowboards is the Arbor Element. A versatile mountain and park choice, this reverse camber board leaves nothing to be desired visually. The Element sports a stunning, natural wood veneer top sheet and technologies that allow the Arbor to rely less on chemically treated fiberglass.

Supporting Green Causes

Like any truly dedicated green company, Arbor has looked beyond product materials and works on tackling its environmental footprint every day. Arbor does all of its printing on recycled paper using only soy-based inks, recycles all office waste and shares the wealth for a good cause. Each year Arbor donates at least 5 percent of its profits to the good guys. Some of Arbor’s past beneficiaries include The Nature Conservancy, The Surfrider Foundation and American Forests. Arbor is currently working with True Offsets through which the company supports reforestation efforts in Hawaii.

If only we had more like them.

Image Credit: Arbor Snowboards.

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Eco-Friendly Sleeping Bags All Year Round

Posted on September 8, 2010 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Uncategorized Tagged bamboo, camping, eco, Eco Friendly, gift, goose down, outdoors, recycled, sleeping bag, sports, Sustainable, synthetic, women

Is there any worse feeling than waking up in the middle of the night in a muscle-cramping ball trying to get warm? Or gasping for air and struggling to unzip and evacuate your sweaty prison? As the first day of fall approaches, don’t let the changing seasons bring your outdoor adventures to an end. You just need to shuffle your gear up a bit. No matter the temperature or conditions, we have a sustainable suggestion for you and your fellow campers.

Goose Down Insulation:

1. The Adrenaline +20° recycled sleeping bag from Golite is the perfect 3-season bag for when the nights cool down. Weighing in at just over 2 lbs. this bag is light in your pack and on the environment, thanks to the 800-fill goose down, recycled polyester shell, and recycled polyester microfiber lining. It also comes in a women’s version. Read more »

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Best of the Best from 2011