Tag Archives: yoga

Best of the Best from 2011

Best of the Best from 2011
Posted on January 24, 2012 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

eco friendly dresses

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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Plank Natural Rubber Yoga Mats: Personalize your Routine

Plank Natural Rubber Yoga Mats: Personalize your Routine
Posted on October 28, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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Bamboo and Organic Active Wear from Green Apple

Bamboo and Organic Active Wear from Green Apple
Posted on July 28, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Style, Uncategorized Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

21 Bamboo and Organic Yoga Pants
Posted on June 23, 2011 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness, Style, Uncategorized Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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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Top Five Green Stocking Stuffers for Your Sportive Loved Ones

Top Five Green Stocking Stuffers for Your Sportive Loved Ones
Posted on December 2, 2010 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Once all of the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, they need to be filled. Let’s deviate from the usual toothbrush and pack of playing cards this year, for goodness sake. Here’s my top stocking picks for your earth-minded, sports enthusiast this holiday season.

Possibly one of the best stocking stuffers I’ve ever received, the Therm-a-Rest Compressable Pillow, is a welcome companion on any trip. This compressible headrest squeezes down to 1/5th of its original size and expands instantly, making it perfect for camping, road trips and air travel. The filling of this eco-pillow is actually left over pieces of high-quality foam from Therm-a-Rest’s famous sleeping pads which explains its incredible properties! And if you end up using it every day, as I do, you can always throw it in the washing machine for a good clean. The pillow is available in small, medium and large sizes.

If you have a cyclist on your list, check out Pedro’s Blowout Seat Bag. Made from blownout bicycle tire tubes, the name seems appropriate. Available in three sizes, the small pack actually has room for a collapsible tube, CO2 inflator, tire levers and possibly even a small hex set with some creative packing. Plus, with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty you can rest assured your eco-friendly purchase was made to last. Read more »

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Top 10 Eco-Friendly Sports Bras

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Sports Bras
Posted on September 22, 2010 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

According to a recent study conducted by researchers in England, evidence suggests that “breast sway” does have a significant effect on women’s running strides. Women opting to not wear a support tend to land more heavily with the impact of their strides, landing towards the inside of the foot. This extra stress could result in unnecessary extra work, as well as an increased risk for stress-related injuries. The moral of this story? Strap’em down ladies. Izzit is here to offer you a slew of eco-friendly sports bras to help you make your running safer, more comfortable, and greener. Read more »

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Back to the Basics with a Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Food & Drink, Kids & Babies, Sports & Fitness Tagged , , , , , ,

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. Read more »

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8 Beautiful Ways to Greenify Your Yoga Workout

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

I seem to have a difficult time finding my center and breathing deep when I am worrying about inhaling toxic chemicals from my PVC mat, or worrying about where I can find a public recycling bin to toss my plastic water bottle. Check out this sustainable yoga gear to help you clear your mind and the air.

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Get Grounded with an Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Alina Jesien
Posted in Sports & Fitness Tagged , , , , ,

Choosing to use a natural yoga mat can help you stay in unison with your personal values, while enjoying many of yoga’s other benefits. There are several things to consider when looking for a more eco-friendly yoga mat. Greener yoga mats are often more expensive than plastic mats. Which makes sense, when you think about it. Production costs associated with pumping out PVC laden mats are much lower than working with natural materials. Also, because these mats are made from natural materials, they can break down more readily than the PVC mat competition, however technology and improved manufacturing methods have made this more of a moot point. In addition, some eco-friendly mats will emit a natural odor, but in most cases this can be solved by airing out your mat for an hour or so before its first use. Read more »

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Natural Fitness Yoga Mat Provides Environmental Growth

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Beth Graddon-Hodgson
Posted in Health & Beauty Tagged , ,

natural-fitness-eco-yoga-mat

Yoga is about getting in touch with your body and improving your overall health and well-being, but it also helps you to connect with the environment and your natural surroundings when you let go of those everyday worries that can come with modern living, and get an out of body experience that puts you in touch with the world.  Little equipment is needed for yoga; all you need is some comfortable clothing and a yoga mat. Connecting with nature on a more spiritual level is one thing, but come on, what good does that do if your product choices don’t reflect the same mentality? Read more »

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