IzzitGreen » Sustainable

Greener, Healthier Cooking with GreenPan

Alina Jesien — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:34:09 +0000

Leading a sustainable lifestyle isn’t always convenient and making an eco-friendly purchase isn’t always an option. GreenPan was launched in 2007 in Belgium and quickly became an international company that understands these barriers and put solutions at the root of their company philosophy. GreenPan provides a wide range of cooking solutions through three main product lines: cookware, professional cookware, and ovenware that are all up to any culinary challenge, and the best part is, you don’t need to change a thing about the way you prepare your food.

A Cleaner, Healthier Non-Stick

Traditional non-stick pans use a synthetic material called PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene, the common brand name being Teflon®. PTFE has great non-sticking properties, but unfortunately it can also release fumes when heated to high temperatures. GreenPan wanted to avoid this toxic substance and created their own patented non-stick technology called Thermolon™. Thermolon™ will never release toxic fumes at any temperature because the natural ceramic non-stick surface is made from minerals instead of plastics and made without PFOA which is another polluting synthetic that is used in the production of other non-stick technologies. In fact, during the process of applying the coating to the pans, GreenPan’s use of Thermolon™ produces 60% less CO2 emissions than other processes using synthetic materials.

Beautiful Tools for Cooking and Baking

GreenPan invests significant resources into healthy and eco-friendly technologies research and this is obvious when reviewing their product line up. Any chef can immediately benefit from GreenPan’s attention to shape and design that pays off big time with superb heat conduction and even heat distribution for perfect browning and deliciously crispy frying every time. These details also allow amazing results at lower cooking temperatures than needed with synthetic-coated pans. Check out this beautiful skillet from GreenPan’s Stockholm collection. The elegant design and ergonomic handle are assets to any cuisinier.

GreenPan cookware is beautifully crafted for superior comfort and concern-free stability. As seen in this Broiler Tray from GreenPan’s Dubai collection the smooth rims make it easy to clean, cover and handle, even with clumsy oven mitts. With unmatched innovation and a constant concern for health, ease of use and the environment, it’s no wonder that GreenPan cookware is officially recommended by the prestigious Cooking Club of America for professionals and weekend hash slingers alike.

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Image Credit: GreenPan

5 Steps to a Greener St. Patrick’s Day

Alina Jesien — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:44:56 +0000

St. Patty’s Day has always been a green holiday when everyone, Irish and not, claim some sort connection to this beautiful and culture-rich nation. So this year, why not go green through and through? Here are five great ways to celebrate green in color and in action.

1. Wear Green

Avoid being pinched and harmful materials at the same time with some smart green wardrobe choices. Izzit likes these green kicks by Ethletic, made from organic cotton and Forestry Service Council-certified natural latex. With shoes like these, who knows, you might even get lucky.

2. Accessorize Green

Look your best with this funky homemade no-sew green flower made from green fabric scraps! To further complete your lucky look, apply an eco nail polish like this, appropriately named Leprechaun Lynch color from Scotch Naturals that is non-toxic and water-based. For the ladies this hand-knit, organic cotton shawl makes a great green addition to any holiday outfit.

3. Decorate Green

Instead of buying disposable green decorations this year, embrace a fun project and create decorations from things you have at home. Cut out leprechauns from holiday magazine advertisements or create eco-friendly shamrocks from old toilet paper rolls!

4. Drink Green

This year wet your whistle with one of many incredible organic beers or try something new from a local brewery. Izzit especially likes Peak Organic Brewery and Bison Brewery. If you’re feeling extra festive, throw in some green food coloring for some additional cheer!

5. Do Green

Spring is in the air, so get outside and plant some green. You never know, karma could come back around to help you on a hunt for the ever-elusive four leaf clover. You may have to search through 10,000 three-leafed ones to get lucky, but hey, it could happen! What’s a little time spent outside enjoying the green in exchange for a lifetime of luck?

All of us at IzzitGreen wish you the greenest St. Patty’s Day ever! Izzit offered up some pretty awesome ideas, but it’s possible that he missed something. What did you do this year to green your shamrock day?

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Image Credit: Morgue File, Ethletic, Miss Lovie, Scotch Naturals, Etsy, Crafting a Green World, Peak Organic Brewery,

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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Jinga’s Shoes: Lighter is Better

Alina Jesien — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:24:52 +0000

I used to think that wearing my old sneakers in Zumba class was just fine. Oh man, was I wrong. I never realized just how much a clunky, heavy and boring pair of shoes could really bring me down. Not until I was sent my very own pair of Jingas that is.

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

Plank Natural Rubber Yoga Mats: Personalize your Routine

Alina Jesien — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:44:36 +0000

Inspirational

Sustainable and functional isn’t necessarily boring, and yoga isn’t just about posing. Meet Plank, a company created by the bold British designer Doreen Hing whose brassy personality shines through in all of her products. Much like its maker, this luxury brand confronts the norm and challenges people to think about yoga in a new and spirited way.

Artistic

Plank yoga mats have no trouble standing out from the crowd thanks to the company’s innovative “art on mat” concept. The gallery quality images on every Plank mat make it temping to store yours on the wall as art. Forget rolling it up and stuffing your mat into a corner. A few months ago I was sent the Shag Luxe Yoga Mat which displays a nostalgic image of a retro carpet complete with downward dog hand prints. At first, I thought the image would be distracting, but after some classes I found that it was actually just the opposite. The quasi-repetitive pattern acts almost like a Magic Eye image with a very meditative effect. My Plank mat’s distinct artwork became a type of visual representation of my own quiet time; something that an uninspiring, blue foam mat could never accomplish. Like Plank’s other three original mat designs, the Shag Luxe Mat offers a witty humor and a generous perspective that puts a smile on my face every time I unroll it. As Austin Powers says, “Ooo, Behave!”

Functional

Who ever said that art can’t have utility? In this case, your Plank canvas also doubles as a yoga mat! An amazing one at that. I really appreciated the high-quality grip layer that is actually activated by the heat and pressure from my feet and hands, which comes in really useful on my less flexible days when it feels like it’s just me vs. me. This special layer also serves to protect your artwork and keep it looking unused and bold up on your wall. The emphasis on function as well as fashion results in a mat that’s beautiful, never slippery and always the perfect firmness, as opposed to some other mats that are too squishy and make me feel off balance. Plank mats are incredibly well constructed and built for the long haul so they won’t start to fall apart after a few classes like cheap foam or PVC options.

Sustainable

Each Plank yoga mat is made from fully sustainable natural rubber. Unlike synthetic rubber, the natural stuff is sourced from renewable rubber trees. Natural rubber also requires significantly less energy to produce than its synthetic counterpart. When it’s all said and done the harvesting, processing and transporting of natural rubber consumes only about one fourth the amount of energy that synthetic rubber production does. So stretch deep and breath easy. Plank yoga mats don’t come cheap and they aren’t super light, but in my humble opinion you get more than what you pay for. I would rather bear a few extra ounces to take a little weight off the environment and spend a few extra bucks to own a mat with character that will last a lifetime, than float around with a boring, PVC-laden wafer of a mat. Proud to be a Planker.

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Image Credit: Plank, Alina Jesien

Classic Shoe Goes Green

Alina Jesien — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:22:55 +0000

In many cases modifying a classic is a crime, but with PUMA’s approach I doubt that any uprisings will result. The PUMA Suede has been a legendary symbol of style since the late ’60s with athletic-inspired design and a street-smart attitude that’s irresistible.

The new and improved version of the PUMA Suede retains all of the vital qualities of the classic, while adding a dash of sustainability, a touch of eco, and a scoop of green. Meet the PUMA Eco Suede. The newest rendition has an Eco OrthoLite ® sockliner which is made from bio-oil as well as laces that are made entirely from recycled materials. The shoe’s sole is made from a rice husk filler which is a food by-product that replaces the previously unsustainable rubber content. The new shoes are also 140 grams lighter, a small adjustment with a big impact. By reducing the weight PUMA was able to reduce their carbon emissions by 15 tons for every 1,000 pairs shipped! Plus, when it’s available in five million beautiful color combinations, what’s not to love?

In April 2010 PUMA set a new standard for the footwear industry with their “Clever Little Bag”, a revolutionary packaging concept with huge environmental pay-offs. By replacing traditional packaging with the new bag, PUMA was able to reduce paper usage by 65% and cut their carbon emissions by 10,000 tons a year! The new packaging not only has a direct impact through its manufacturing process, but also through its usage. Due to some sharp architecture, the bag replaces a box and also eliminates the need for an additional shopping bag. Brilliant!

When they aren’t revamping classics or stunning us with design genius, PUMA stays pretty busy with other environmental initiatives through their PUMA.Safe program. PUMA has big plans to reduce their “paw print” by 2015. The company aims to reduce their CO2 emissions, energy, water and waste by 25%, as well as implement a 75% reduction in paper usage. PUMA also has set a goal of making all of their shoes PVC-free by the same year. PUMA is also actively working with Greenpeace in a Detox campaign to extend PUMA’s restricted substances list for all of its suppliers.

So call back the riots and re-think the nasty emails. This classic, at least, remains unscathed by progress, unaffected by fickle tastes and un-tempted by quick and dirty creation.

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Image Credit: PUMA

Get to Know a Great Cause and a Great Winery

Kent Shanklin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:13:54 +0000

We all know that our beloved Izzit is passionate about the outdoors – after all, that’s where he’s from. So when he learned about all of the great things the organization Get to Know Your Wild Neighbours was doing to help promote the national parks of Canada and the United States, not to mention improve everyone’s interactive learning experience with nature, Izzit immediately said “sign me up!” And after a long day out on the trail, what’s better than a soothing glass of chilled Ice Wine from one of Canada’s premier wine producers, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, who donate a portion of every purchase to the Get to Know Society.

First, the mission: Get to Know aims to provide folks – both young and old – with a simple and enjoyable way to get engaged with local green spaces. Ironically, Get to Know realized that one of the best ways to get people outside was to use something that ties most people to their desks…technology. The result is something they aptly call National Treasure. By incorporating technology in a truly different and unique way, they’ve created a fun and interesting interactive program that enhances the nature experience of the individual, while at the same time expanding their knowledge of the world’s wonderful biodiversity that exists beyond the computer screen. To learn more about Get to Know and all the great things they do, please visit www.gettoknow.ca.

Speaking of national treasures, the beautiful Okanagan Valley and the award-winning wines from Summerhill Pyramid Winery should be on everyone’s must-have list. That list, along with the bottle of Summerhill Pyramid’s 2007 Riesling Ice Wine we were tasting at the IzztGreen Corporate Headquarters went mysteriously missing last Friday. Coincidentally, Izzit was witnessed leaving work a bit early (but after sipping a little of this elegant wine from a renowned vintner, who could blame him if he indeed made off with it). We’re sure there’s a good explanation!

Although the stunning Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia produces many delicious wines that rival anything coming out of Washington State, Summerhill Pyramid is rightly famous for their Ice Wines. What makes these wines so unique is that they can only be made in cooler climates. Because the grapes are left on the vine to freeze before fermentation, only the water freezes, leaving the sugars intact. The resulting harvest output is smaller, sweeter and more highly concentrated. Both the 2007 Riesling and Pinot Noir Ice Wines are beyond excellent and worthy as daily sippers as well as make perfect holiday gifts. For more information please visit www.summerhill.bc.ca and for our American customers located in states that allow wine shipments, please visit www.summerhill.bc.ca/Wines/USA-Customers.

As if producing stellar wine isn’t enough, Summerhill Pyramid Winery also has a longstanding commitment to the environment. About 80% of the total grapes used in production are Certified Organic, and their stated goal is to reach 100% in the near future. They have achieved Certified Production status in their cellar and their Kelowana vineyard is in the process of applying for their Demeter Biodynamic certification. So beyond the fact that the wines are elegant and delicious, you can rest assured that in buying Summerhill Pyramid products, you are supporting a business that truly cares about the environment. They’re partnership with Get to Know is just “icing on the vines!”

So, please join Izzit (wherever he is) in raising a glass of Summerhill Pyramid in toasting and supporting the Get to Know mission!

Revo Guide Sunglasses Offer Sustainable Style

Alina Jesien — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:31:34 +0000

I never used to think of sunglasses as being sustainable. I’m ashamed to admit that they were more like something I bought for eight bucks at a stand and then broke within eight weeks. Rinse and repeat. At some point I got tired of this merry-go-round, took a leap and bought an expensive, high-quality pair. I can proudly say that I’ve used them ever since. Through that one purchase I’ve been able to reuse the same sunglasses and reduce my consumption by not ever having to buy another pair. Now going a step beyond that, what if the high-quality sunglasses that I bought had been manufactured in a sustainable way? Now we’re talkin’.

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

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.

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.

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Image Credit: Luxe Bamboo