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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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First Bluesign Certified Tent. . . Ever

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Uncategorized Tagged camping, eco, Eco Friendly, hiking, non-toxic, organic cotton, outdoors, recycled, sports, tent

This summer the German outdoor company Vaude will release the world’s first ever Bluesign certified tent. Bluesign is an independent and strict standard that ensures that textiles and production processes are non-toxic, making the Blue One Tent an incredible milestone and environmental victory.

The Blue One Tent

The Blue One Tent is made from 40% rip stop organic cotton and 60% recycled PET fabric. These stunning specs turned some heads this year at the 2011 ISPO sports trade fair, and Vaude walked away with an Eco Responsibility Award for their tent and the Most Sustainable Company Award. These awards were added to others like the Public’s Choice Award that Vaude won last October from Utopia, a German network for sustainable living. This two person home away from home is not only eco-friendly, it weighs just over five pounds, making it easy on your back as well as your conscience. No additional dyes were used in the production of the Blue One which results in its simply beautiful “ecru” color.

Vaude and Green Shape

Ever since its conception, this family owned company has fostered a strong focus on innovation for greener outdoor gear. In the early 90s Vaude created Ecolog products that were 100% made of polyester so that they could be completely recycled at the end of their life. This includes zippers, labels, thread and everything in between. Vaude also produces one third of its electricity needs regionally using renewable and emission free options, as well as utilizing large photovoltaic systems at the headquarters and factory outlet.

More recently, Vaude has initiated their Green Shape Protocol that rates the “econess” of their products. To obtain Green Shape status a product must contain at least 90% recycled materials or organic cotton. A product can progress even further and become a Bluesign product if at least 95% of the product is Bluesign certified, including textiles and components. Vaude also includes an “On the Way” category for products that have less than 90% recycled content or have their own eco labels such as Cocona®. Currently 16% of the 2011 Vaude summer collection has Green Shape status and the company expects that the winter collection will reach 30% compliance.

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Image Credit: Vaude

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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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Very Eco Wedding Guest Dresses

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Renee Cornett
Posted in Style Tagged biodegradable, chic, dresses, eco, fair labor, green, organic cotton, Sustainable, wedding

eco friendly dresses

With this year’s blissful wedding season well under way, you may find yourself in a similar position to many others with reuse and sustainability on the mind – yes, that is the dresses you laid out for this wedding season have reached their rotation max and are on route to retirement. And with buying new wedding guest attire falling into the must category, why not keep on the sustainable path and check out uber chic, I want that, eco-friendly dresses? As per usual, I have pulled together a few fashionable, nice to the environment, wedding guest dress options.

Chinti and Parker Dress

The Chianti and Parker Dress makes my list due to 100 percent organic cotton content. But to assure its spot, this classy belted dress is simple and versatile. Dress it up with a classy pendant and earrings, for say, a wedding, or dress it down with your favorite flats and cardigan for your next office meeting.

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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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Must-Haves for Pet Moms

Posted on May 4, 2011 by maggie
Posted in Home & Garden, Pets, Style Tagged Eco Friendly, gift, holiday, Organic Chocolate, organic cotton, Pets, women

This Mother’s Day, don’t forget those women who work tirelessly in their role as “mom” to cats and dogs. According to a survey conducted by Lifetime Networks, 69 percent – or almost seven out of 10 – women between the ages of 18 and 49 own a pet. That’s a lot of pet moms!

As a “dog mom” of three, I can vouch: It’s nice to be recognized for all the love and devotion we pour into our fur balls. But a bouquet of flowers isn’t the best gift for a pet mom. Instead, consider these must-haves for any dog or cat mama.

Chocolate, Of Course!

Pamper your favorite pet mom with a sweet treat that also gives back. Not only is Rescue Chocolate 100 percent vegan, the company also donates 100 percent of their net profits to animal rescues around the country. My personal favorite? Peanut Butter Pit Bull!

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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.

St. Patrick’s Day — A Good Excuse to Go Green

Posted on March 3, 2011 by Izzit Green
Posted in Food & Drink, Home & Garden, Style Tagged holiday, holiday gift, organic, organic cotton, recycled, St. Patrick's Day, Sustainable

Go greener this St. Patrick’s Day with eco-friendly, Irish-themed products. You can channel a little luck o’ the Irish by celebrating with organic and recycled products. And these authentic, planet-friendly gifts can be enjoyed long after March 17.

Organic Irish Sweaters

What’s more Irish than an Irish wool sweater?

Even though they’re not a bright shade of green, the web site Irish Inspiration sells several different cozy Organic Wool Irish sweaters made from undyed, organic, pure, new wool from the Kerry Woollen Mills in Ireland.

“These gorgeous sweaters are made using undyed wool from certified organic farms where the sheep have not been dipped in substances hazardous to health and graze on land which is not artificially fertilized,” the web site says.

These sweaters will keep you warm at a chilly St. Patty’s Day parade.

‘Live Green’ T-shirt

This “Live Green” Tee allows you to display and celebrate your Irish and eco-friendly pride at the same time.

This shirt is made from 100 percent organic cotton and features a shamrock with the “Live Green” slogan.

Four Leaf Clover and Celtic Knot Suncatchers

The translucent green of the glass in these recycled glass suncatchers evoke thoughts of the Emerald Isle. Made from recycled glass, the suncatchers make a lovely gift for an Irish lass or the hostess of a St. Patty’s Day party. They come in Four Leaf Clover design and Celtic Knot versions.

The web site for the Oregon-based Aurora Glass Foundry which makes these suncatchers says the company’s origins are green: ”When a visionary from St. Vincent de Paul saw a mountain of glass growing off the freeway, he decided to recycle it instead of see it go to a landfill . . . Since then Aurora Glass has become a powerful resource for the community, recycling old windows and other waste glass that previously landed in the dump.”

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What about the Guys? Eco-Friendly and Fashionable Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Renee Cornett
Posted in Style Tagged holiday, humanitarian, organic cotton, recycled polyester, TOMS

As I am an advocate of gift giving going both ways, and possibly gifts in general, I put together a Valentine’s Day gift guide to help you find the perfect eco-friendly gift for that special guy. And don’t worry guys, you won’t find any hearts in this gift guide.

Topo Ranch’s The Lineman

For that gruff, comfort-is-everything man in your life, I present to you Topo Ranch’s The Lineman plaid button up. But comfort and aesthetics aside, and along the same page as all of Topo Ranch’s gear, we love this shirt because of its 100 percent organic cotton content. Read more »

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Best of the Best from 2011