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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Better Dancer

Jinga shoes are really, really light. A pair weighs less than 300 grams! The minimalist construction allows for foot flexibility and a maximum level of movement that I never knew I was missing. I find myself compelled to do the “happy feet dance” whenever I slip these bad boys on. Through some ingenious engineering Jinga’s protective TPU sole has managed to achieve great wear, grease and temperature resistance. Plus, the sole is sticky enough to allow for quick movements, but has a sweet spot with just enough slip for my awesome spins. It was incredible to actually find myself feeling light and on time with the thumping samba music. Although designed as dance footwear with roots as a capoeira shoe, Jingas are super comfortable with and without socks and an interesting option for barefoot or minimalist running, exercise class or street walkin’. But, if you think that these shoes are for blending in, think again. Jinga’s beautiful design is hip enough for the dance floor whether you’re into salsa, street dance, Zumba, jazz, modern or Dance Dance Revolution. Jinga shoes are as versatile in function as they are in style. Any of the five thousand color schemes creates a rhythm and expression that’s all your own. They even make shoes for kids. So even though there’s no hope for my dancing career, but from six months on, your little one can be feather light and making all the right steps.

Better Priorities

Jinga captures and celebrates the animation and passion of the Brazilian Culture in its shoes, while working to make a positive social and environmental impact in the country. Through careful selection, Jinga fosters long term relationships with socially and environmentally conscious suppliers. These lasting relationships create stability and facilitate better processes for people and the planet. Through its commitment to fair and responsible business practice in Brazil, Jinga is able to have a concrete impact on many Brazilians’ lives. Currently, the company provides a percentage of its profits to partner with a Brazilian NGO, REDEH, and offer an out of school activity program for Brazil’s youth. Going forward, Jinga has committed to dedicating 25% of its net income to similar projects in Brazil.

Better Processes

In addition to its social efforts, Jinga makes the environment a top priority. The company was awarded the “Green Seal” by the Brazilian government for its environmental policies as well as the high standard of working conditions that exist in its factories. The company’s values are also clearly considered in Jinga’s planning and business practices. Jinga shoes are 100% vegan and made in Brazil using only materials that are sourced locally from suppliers with stated socio-environmental policies. Additionally, anything left after manufacturing is sent to a facility for recycling in an effort to reduce waste. In another partnership, as part of Amanha Mais Feliz’s Happier Tomorrow Project Jinga is recognized as an environmentally responsible footwear company thanks to its lean production philosophy. So, slip on a pair of these eco-shoes and revel in your new ability to “move as nature intended”. Lacing up a great pair of shoes could really change your day, but great shoes from a good, green company could change much more than your mood.

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Image Credit: Alina Jesien, Jinga

Nothing But the Best from Revo

The Guide Sunglasses are a star member of Revo’s Eco Sustainable Style Collection, offering super high performance for any outdoor junky. One of the most innovative features is Revo’s Motion-Fit (TM) system that balances pressure points so that your glasses stay put for a perfect fit. No more hiking your glasses up your nose when you’re looking down. The quality also extends to the Serilium (TM) lenses that are constructed from a super strong polycarbonate that can withstand impact from gravel and debris. Plus, the high contrast polarization and anti-reflective coating add major value and brilliance to the world around you. These prescription-ready optics block 100% of UVB, UVA and UVC light and and are available in three practical lens tints: graphite, bronze, and water.

Sustainable Style

No matter which of the seven frame colors you choose, Revo has made sure to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Some frames offer sustainable performance through Revo Re-Use (TM) in which the frames are precision molded from 100% recycled polymer resins or nylon plastics that would otherwise become trash. Other frames offer Eco-Use (TM) in which Revo employs a strong TR-90 nylon frame material made from castor bean seeds instead of petroleum. The result is a very light and flexible frame that is 60% bio-based. Check out this movie in which Revo explains both of their eco-processes.

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Image Credit: Revo

Chalk It Up

Jot down to-dos for the whole family on the Dusty Girl Chalkboard by See Jane Work. Chalk up each day’s pet-care responsibilities, and have each family member cross off their tasks. The board is made from non-formaldehyde, 100% recycled wood MDF core, and the darling dog-shaped eraser is cut from scrap felt. Or, for Scotty lovers, check out the breed chalkboard with bone-shaped eraser.

Take Notes

EcoJot offers mini notebooks with dog- and cat-themed designs. Write each family member a note with their responsibilities for the week, and post them on the fridge or somewhere visible so that everyone stays on top of their chores. In addition to the minis, the brand also sells bound journals featuring dogs and cats. Check out my personal favorite, the Dog Sweaters perfect bound notebook.

Details, Details

If you have a pet with an illness or chronic condition, tracking medicine doses and feeding times becomes even more important. A larger notebook like this recycled paper Kitty Cat Spiral Notebook gives you plenty of room to track all the pertinent information for you, your family, and your pet sitters. Hint: With careful, consistent note taking about your pet’s care, you’ll have a comprehensive resource to review with your vet if your animal’s condition changes.

Simplify

The Sit ME notepad by lobotoME provides a ready-made checklist for all pet-sitting instructions. With all the details in one convenient, streamlined place, everyone has simple access to your pet’s most important information. The 5.5 x 8.5 notepad contains 50 sheets and is printed on white recycled paper with a chip board backing.

Image credit: Aurelijus Valeisa

1. PETE Backpack

The PETE Backpack is made with recycled plastic reducing strain on new materials, plus the comfortable straps, useful zippered dividers and life-saving key holder make it hard to pass up.

2. NYC Messenger Bag

The NYC Messenger Bag proudly wears a hip cityscape that screams cool while the material made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles and adjustable cross strap for biking add some major green cred.

3. Pike Messenger by Alchemy Goods

With a super functional separated section for your laptop and highly reflective safety tape, the Pike Messenger has all the essentials. Plus, this bag is made from up-cycled inner tubes and a recycled seat belt shoulder strap for extra green style.

4. Voltaic Converter Solar Backpack

With four watts of solar power the Converter Backpack is ready to charge your cell phone, mp3 player and laptop. Plus, even when that big ball in the sky isn’t available the battery stores up to 19 hours of talk time or 48 hours of music playback.

5. The Green Backpack

Well the name says it all. The Green Backpack is made from 65% recycled material that is lightweight and durable for all of your scholastic adventures. Thanks to the mp3 pocket and ear bud slit the tunes continue well after school.

6. Troubadour Tote

To go back to school in style check out the Troubadour Tote. Handmade in Seattle this vegan stylish bag is crafted from glazed cotton giving it a leather-like appearance that is vegan friendly and lead-free.

7. Glacier Backpack

Rugged and polished at the same time, the Glacier from Ecogear dons a moisture wicking mesh back and is made from recycled PET bottles and non-toxic dyes and materials.

8. Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger

Whoa! Where did it go?! This super lightweight Hidden Messenger is made from 90% recycled PET bottles and is all about convenience. When not in use this bag stuffs into a palm-sized zipper pouch making it ready to go anywhere.

9. Ecoalf Spring Backpack

Talk about classic. The Spring Backpack is made of soft nylon from recycled discarded fishing nets, has a padded laptop sleeve and looks flawless.

10. Sakku Buddy Messenger Bag

Sakku Buddy, where solar meets style. With a battery that can store solar energy and unique Swiss style, you can feel good about the Buddy knowing that all emissions from production are offset by Sakku.

Now that you have your sustainable backpack, things are looking up. Don’t forget to complete your mission by adding a reusable lunch sack like Kids Konserve or Robot Lunch Bag. With a little preparation and eco-karma, who knows? It may be your best year yet!

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Image Credit: Bambeco, Green Backpack, Crystalyn Kae, Ecogear, Timbuk2, Ecoalf, Primecut, MorgueFile, Voltaic

According to their website Arc’teryx maintains that “a high quality product that retains its performance properties and aesthetic appeal for many years is more environmentally responsible than one that must be replaced frequently due to inferior materials, poor quality workmanship, or seasonally influenced fashion trends.” An important consideration and notable point when entire product life cycles are taken into account as they should be. However more recently, Arc’teryx has also begun to use recycled fleece in some of their products, such as the Strato Jacket and Strato Hoody.

Strato Jacket and Strato Hoody

The Strato Jacket and Strato Hoody are made with sturdy Polartec ® Thermal Pro ® Cobble mostly composed of recycled polyester. The laminated zippers, DWR finish and light insulation make these jackets perfect to wear alone, while the low profile reduces layering bulk when they are worn with a shell. Following Arc’teryx tradition, the jackets are premium quality and beautifully designed.

Bird’s Nest Initiative

Arc’teryx also deserves some credit for their social initiatives. Several years ago two Arc’teryx employees, Tara Latham and Sean Wood, started an initiative that is as inspiring as it is resourceful. The Bird’s Nest Initiative re-purposes end of rail and discontinued fabrics into GORE-TEX® rain capes for Vancouver’s homeless. This will be the project’s third year. In 2009 Arc’teryx handed out 300 capes through the Salvation Army, and last year Arc’teryx employees sewed 560 capes!

All of the capes are sewn by employees who volunteer their time to come in and make a difference. Arc’teryx makes an effort to recognize theses workers’ generosity by providing them with time off in lieu of pay. As Vancouver receives over 40 inches of rainfall a year, the Bird’s Nest Initiative is a valued program that not only clothes those in need, but also creates social awareness of the homeless population in the city.

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Image Credit: Arc’teryx, Altrec.com, TreeHugger.com

Convertible

The Convertible includes a hemp, lace-up extension piece that allows it to be worn as a low-cut shoe, or a higher-cut boot. This unique system provides versatility as well as some major style points, but the extension is not the only feature that benefits from the stitching concept. In fact, each piece of the shoe is stitched together instead of glued making the Convertible more breathable, more durable, more repairable and more recyclable.

The sole is made from natural latex which is gently harvested from gum trees using a method that causes no harm or damage to the tree. This material also saves the soles from the garbage bin, as they can be ground up to make new soles at the end of their life. Additionally, the super comfy “foot mattress” is made from coconut husks and actually molds to your foot shape, so you feel just how lightly these shoes tread on the Earth. The leather is tanned using eco-friendly vegetable extracts helping these shoes be so sustainable that if you ever tire of them, you can drop them off at any Timberland store for complete recycling.

However, you might want to keep the compostable shoe box because it makes two awesome seed trays that are biodegradable and perfectly plantable.

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Image Credit: Po-Zu