Plan Toys: Eco-Friendly, Safe Toys for Kids

If you're a parent, then you know having kids and buying toys go hand in hand. However, it can be extremely difficult these days to find toys that are safe for your child to play with - let alone great for the environment.

Allow me to introduce you to Plan Toys, a company making toys that meet those requirements and more.

Safe for Your Kids to Play With

Whether your child is at that age where he or she wants to gnaw on everything in sight or not - you don't want to put anything in his or her hands that is going to hurt them. Plan Toys are made from rubber wood that has never been treated with chemicals.

The glue is non-formaldehyde and the paint is water based, so you can feel safe about your child playing with Plan Toys. Started in 1981, Plan Toys has been working steadily since that time to make their products safer for children to play with!

Better for the Environment

Rubber trees are the world's primary source of natural rubber. After a certain amount of time, the latex yield decreases significantly and the trees are usually cut down and burned.

Plan Toys makes their products from Rubber trees that no longer make latex, so rather than being burned and wasted, there is a purpose for that beautiful wood.

There is no deforestation when the trees are harvested, as new ones are planted. Using this sustainable wood isn't the only green thing Plan Toys does, though. They work with local communities to ensure fair wages, and they provide many spots within the company for disabled workers to earn a wage.

Inspiring Creativity

Plan Toys are exciting, but not because they blink twelve different colors and make funny noises - because they don't. Rather, they are a blank canvas with which your child can use his or her imagination to paint countless gorgeous scenes.

Whether your child is playing with the Plan Toys dollhouse, city, or an animal - they're creating the fun with their own imagination.

Plan Toys are just along for the ride. This really inspires your child to be creative and have a lot of fun!

Next time you go shopping for the wonderful child in your life, get them something that inspires creativity, never threatens their health and that is great for the earth! Consider Plan Toys.

Sci-Fi Goes Green with New Novel, "Pollen"

The first 'eco-super hero', a friendly visitor from outer space, has come to warn humans of the impeding doom we have created through our lack of environmental concern in the new sci-fi thriller, "Pollen and the Ring of Harmony" by Francis T. Perry Williams.

Geared toward young adults, as well as sci-fi lovers of all ages, "Pollen" blends truth with fiction to bring a powerful wake-up call to the world.  Pollen treks across America to bring his message to the president and to urge humankind to live in harmony with nature before it's too late.  

About the Author

Francis T. Perry Williams, a Missouri native, has lived in California since 1960.  He has a degree in drama and has written, produced, and acted in plays, sitcoms, and other productions for more than 4 decades.  

Currently, Williams works as a personal fitness trainer in Venice Beach while he writes and enjoys an eco-friendly lifestyle.  He is also available for interviews, as well as promotions and special events.  

"Pollen and the Ring of Harmony" is available in bookstores, including Barnes and Noble and Borders, and can be ordered through Amazon.  Visit the Pollen and the Ring of Harmony website for more information. 

Images via PollenGreenArmy.com

Mountain Rose Herbs (and Teas, and More)

It's too bad that Mountain Rose Herbs is a mail order company, because walking into this modern apothecary would surely be a magical experience. Luckily, though, you can bring a bit of this experience home with a variety of wonderful, high-quality products to stimulate the senses and soothe the spirit.

At this time of year especially, Mountain Rose Herbs' luxurious tea selection is sure to be a hit. Choose from a variety of fair-trade, organic black, green, red and herbal teas. For a special treat, try the flowering teas, hand-sewn packets of tea leaves and flowers that unfurl artfully when brewed. In case you're not in the habit of preparing loose teas, you can also pick up any tea supplies that you need, such as tea pots, strainers, or reusable tea bags.

If you make only one more stop at Mountain Rose Herbs, make it in the herbs and spices section, where you'll find a mind-boggling array of savory seasonings and medicinals to pore over, all conveniently cross-referenced with traditional and modern herb lore information. On the other hand, if you've got plenty of time, there's also more to explore. Wend your way through page after page of aromatherapy oils, essential ingredients for home herbalists, prepared medicinals, bath and body products, and even a selection of beautiful and practical storage jars and bottles.

Thanksgiving 2009: an Eco-conscious Affair

Today marks one week before America celebrates Thanksgiving. This historically based holiday is regarded as a joyous time to gather family, enjoy turkey, and eat in excess. While food is a large part of the Thanksgiving experience, for the luxurious, eco-conscious host or guest at a Thanksgiving affair this year, food is not the only way to green your Thanksgiving.

Electricity

Late November is often a cold time of year. While you certainly want all of your Thanksgiving guests to be comfortable, keep in mind that baking and other kitchen activities will warm up your house whether you adjust the thermostat or not. Planning ahead and turning down or off the heat while cooking is a great way to save electricity while still staying warm. When guests arrive, if you have a fireplace, you can save electricity and add ambience by starting a fire. Candlelight is also always a great way to create a luxurious lighting situation while saving on electric lights. These electricity saving ideas are ways to impress guests with your attractive atmosphere without appearing as if anything is being sacrificed. If anyone asks, however, as an eco-conscious host, you can stand behind keeping your electric bill and carbon footprint down.

Centralize

While at this point you might already have plans, potentially involving travel, for where to spend next Thursday, being with your friends and family is a great time to discuss future plans. Maybe next year you can plan to meet in a more centralized location. Or think about the travel involved in getting somewhere to celebrate Thanksgiving just weeks before you might be traveling there again to bring in the New Year. While most employers will give you at least a 4-day weekend, just because you have the time off does not necessarily mean you should spend that time traveling. Staying at home and inviting friend and neighbors to celebrate Thanksgiving is a great way to be eco-conscious. Additionally, you could spend your long weekend catching up with old projects and getting ready for winter. One important weatherizing activity is going around and feeling windows for potential drafts. You then can plug those gaps and make your home more heat-efficient. Planet Green has helpful details on how to do this.

Waste

When planning your feast this year, think about the waste involved. Avoiding paper or plastic cups or plates is a first step in keeping down your waste levels. Silver wear and napkins are also a great way to add sophistication as well as to conserve your party’s contribution to your local landfill. Another way to cut down on waste is to encourage people to be mindful about their serving sizes while still eating their hearts out. While you may think you can eat a half-pound of turkey in one sitting, if you take small pieces at a time, you will avoid leaving extra on your plate once you are full. If everyone can try to have a clean plate at the end of the meal, the amount of waste you collect will be close to nothing and the uneaten food can become leftovers. Another great thing to do with uneaten food, especially if you have much more than you could ever eat, is to donate it to a local shelter. Making a few calls before hand can inform you of how you should prepare the food to be donated. Another option for cutting down waste is to prepare tupperware to be given to your guests with the food they most enjoyed. Try collecting plastic take-out containers from now until Thanksgiving, giving them a good wash, and then you will have a wonderful gift which will help ensure that the bounty prepared for your family and friends will not go to waste.

I hope these ideas will help you think about some of the easy ways you can make your Thanksgiving an eco-conscious and wonderful affair.

Image credit: The Daily Green, Local Win, Community Action KY, Steve Neuman

Fashion for a Good Cause: Let It Bee Jewelry

Following a September 2009 launch at the Eco-Luxe Expo in New York City, Let It Bee Jewelry is still generating a buzz as an eco-conscious luxury company with a purpose. Let It Bee Jewelry founder and creative designer, Meg Bryson, has made a commitment to elevate awareness of an environmental issue threatening the existence of honey bees – who play an often overlooked, integral role in our world. Sadly, one of the planet's busiest little workers faces an uncertain future.

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) involves the disappearance of worker bees from their hives, which leads to the downfall of their colonies. The issue is much larger than the possible extinction of bees because the 'disorder' jeopardizes the pollination of agriculture and significantly affects the food-supply chain. Currently, Let It Bee Jewelry contributes 5% of proceeds to a Penn State research group devoted to investigating the plight of honey bees all over the world.

With eye-catching creations paying homage to the industrious insect, the goal of Let It Bee Jewelry is simple – spread the word and actively participate in finding a solution. Bryson, formerly of Elle jewelry, is presently more focused on using her jewelry designs to draw attention to the wave of collapsing bee colonies than dominating the high-end market. Upon request, fine pieces are available, and Bryson has also expressed interest in working with other eco-friendly companies, such as the Green Connoisseur.

Hand-painted ceramic beads, sterling silver, and acrylic are used for producing two striking collections of necklaces, bracelets and earrings: the Honey Bee Line and the Colony Culture Collection. A few pieces straight out the Let It Bee honey pot include:

Honey Bee Signature Bracelet – Stretch bracelet features dangling bee charm with striking hand-painted ceramic beads.

Apiary Bracelet and Earrings – A collection of natural and acrylic stones coupled with signature bee charm.

Clover Honey Bracelet – Warm, neutral-colored stone blended with hand-painted ceramic beads, presented in a stretch-style bracelet.

Colony Necklace – Silver links and bees accent this natural and stone bead creation.

Sunflower Necklace – Brighten up your day with a bee-kissed, ceramic sunflower hanging on a 20-inch rope and beaded chain.

Image Credits: Let It Bee Jewelry

Oberthur Technologies and EcoSIM: Eco-Friendly SIM Cards

We all know what SIM cards are - the little card stuck inside your cell phone that keeps track of your personal data.

Oberthur Technologies, the "second largest provider of smart card-based solutions" has created the first eco-friendly SIM card on the market.

EcoSIM is smaller than traditional SIM cards, and half the plastic is used in its creation. Whereas a sheet of plastic the size of a credit card was traditionally used to make one SIM card, it makes two EcoSIM cards.

Eco-friendly packaging also makes a major difference in the carbon footprint left behind. CO2 emissions generated during the making of each card has been reduced from 16g to 8g.

The paper used in packaging the EcoSIM is certified by both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes. Both of these are non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the world's forests.

Oberthur had a soft launch earlier this year, sending 10 million cards to mobile phone creators. The EcoSIM will be showcased November 17th through the 19th CARTES & Identification exhibition in Paris.

Oberthur Technologies

Oberthur Technologies is the second largest creator of smart card-based solutions, and a major player in the technology industry. Based in France, Oberthur also helps create identity-based documents that are secure - such as passports, identification cards, etc. They've also just launched the world's first light-emitting payment card.

Pre-Owned Cars Get Green Makeovers at Evcarco

Evcarco is making it easy to drive green, whether you're searching for an eco-friendly preowned car or in the market for the sleek and exotic, near-zero emissions Scorpion.  Evcarco dealerships will soon be open across the nation with a selection of preowned hybrids, electric vehicles, and upgraded traditional cars in addition to the luxury hydrogen fueled Scorpion.  The first of these green car dealerships is already serving the public in Fort Worth, Texas, with plans to open 20 more over the next 2 to 4 years.

About Evcarco

Partnered with Texas-based Ronn Motor Company, Evcarco is the new face in eco-friendly car sales.  The company is dedicated to providing consumers with the best selection of green vehicles and will offer the new high-end Scorpion from Ronn Motors in addition to its preowned inventory.  

The dealerships will offer convenient financing solutions, warranties, and the ability to shop online.  Shipping is available if a local Evcarco dealership isn't available in your area and franchise opportunities are also an option if you're interested in opening your own Evcarco dealership.  

Green Driving Options

At Evcarco, you'll find typical eco-friendly vehicle models - including hybrid Accords, the award-winning Prius, and electric commuter cars like the Wheego Whip.  You'll also see a few surprises in the showroom, all equipped with the RMC H2GO hydrogen injection system.  

The H2GO system is the technology used in the near-zero emissions Scorpion and has proven its effectiveness with reduced emissions and improved gas mileage in big rig fleets in Texas.  The system will be installed in all non-eco cars sold by Evcarco to ensure a truly green alternative for drivers.  

Drive Green with Evcarco

Currently, you can shop Evcarco of Fort Worth's inventory online by make, model, car type, color, price range, or fuel efficiency or visit the dealership in person at 7703 Sand Street.  Additional Evcarco dealerships are coming soon in Texas, California, Oklahoma, Georgia, Nevada, and Florida with plans for more locations in the future.

Visit Evcarco's website for more information on buying a green preowned car or for investment and franchise opportunities.  Visit Ronn Motor Company for details on the Scorpion and H2GO system.  

Source

Images by RMC and Evcarco