8 Sustainable, Earth-Friendly Holiday Ideas

With Thanksgiving celebrations in the making and Christmas feasts just around the corner, we'd like to spread the word on just how easy it is to combine sustainable, earth-friendliness with holiday cheer. From organic turkeys to green utensils, why don't you consider incorporating a greener outlook regarding this year's festivities. 1) Organic Cooking Ingredients Whether you're baking a pie with Farmer’s Market Organic pumpkin filling or using Wholly Wholesome’s Organic Whole Wheat pie shells, organic cooking ingredients provide an array of healthier dietary choices. If you like cooking from scratch, don't forget to choose organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables to create your sweet treat masterpieces and side dishes. 2) Set the Mood with Recycled Goods Recycled goods not only provide interesting pieces of décor at the dining table, but also encourage unique conversation amongst family and friends. At VivaTerra, this Birds on Branch Tealight Holder uses recycled metal with inviting leaf and stem features. Another eye-catcher is the carved wooden work of art (shown) called the Root of the Earth Wine Caddy. 3) Freshen Up with Flowers The sweet scent of fresh organic flowers adds color and delight to a holiday get-together with eco-bouquets and elaborate centerpieces. A few choices in fresh flower delivery include EcoFlora (in Toronto) or the popular Organic Bouquet, which offers Autumn Sunset Lilies, Autumn Grains Wreaths, and the Santa's Rose Bouquet. 4) Organic Wines and Liquors From the certified biodynamic wines of Frey Vineyards to the green beers of New Belgium Brewing, it's easy to serve organic and eco-friendly alcoholic beverages during the holidays. Choose wines with real cork stoppers over plastic versions, as trees are not lost in the manufacturing of cork. No need to stock up on bottled water, whose plastic containers wreak havoc in landfills. Invest in a decent water filter and freshen the taste with fresh lemons. 5) Green Utensils Each year, nearly 100 billion plastic, paper and Styrofoam plates and cups are disposed of in the United States – sending petroleum-based plastics, hazardous foam or chlorine-bleached paper to harm the environment. Don't become part of the problem – use green utensils. Some options include biodegradable, compostable spoons, forks and knives made out of corn, rice, sugarcane, and even potatoes. For example, ultra green goods offer tree-free sugarcane paper products that biodegrade or compost in 60-90 days, and cornstarch cups and utensils that biodegrade or compost in 150 days. Other green utensil companies include:

• Nature Friendly Products – Made from proprietary biodegradable resin.
• Biocorp – Manufactures cellulose fiber/limestone products
• VEGWARE US Inc. – Responsible for Plastarch (PSM), a thermoplastic resin made from natural starch.

6) Organic Tablecloth Dress your table in striking organic table linens. At Rawganique, choose from their organic linen and organic hemp collection that offers an array of colors, including Russett Orange, Olive, Indigo, and Ivory. Made in Europe from organic European hemp or linen, there are 18 different sizes to consider – all with matching table accessories, such as runners, place mats, napkins, and tea towels. 7) Bamboo Bowls and Plates When serving your infamous stuffing or jellied cranberry sauce, embrace the beauty and natural allure or bamboo bowls and plates – crafted from sustainable materials. With a range of colors and styles, you're sure to find items to match your personal style and home décor. 8) Pass on the Plastic Wrap After you've devoured your Thanksgiving meal, it's time to wrap your leftovers with care. The majority of plastic wraps on the market contain PVC – notorious for clogging landfills and threatening the environment. Use reusable leftover containers to keep food safe or reach for the aluminum foil, which unbeknownst to many – is completely recyclable! Image Credits: VivaTerra, ultra green, Wholly Wholesome, Amazon.com

DreamSacks – Luxurious Natural Fiber Products

It's impressive when a single company can turn just one travel product into a venture that now creates a wealth of eco-friendly products fashioned from natural fibers, such as silk, bamboo, soy and cashmere. DreamSacks produces an array of luxurious bedding, clothing, and accessories. From saving more than 300 gallons of gas per year driving an all-electric truck to giving back to poverty-stricken communities, Dream Sacks gets an A+ for creating a well-rounded, earth-conscious business. Just a few DreamSacks products to consider: For Women: DreamSacks offers an assortment of pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, and nightwear, such as this Cerise Robe with handcrafted knotted closures. Comprised of sheer silk and rayon, the robe comes in a seductive Chocolate with Cielo Blue trim (shown) or relaxing Green Tea with Vanilla trim. A selection of garments for expecting mothers includes an array of colorful tunics, gowns, and pajama sets. For Men: From breathable bamboo boxer shorts to comfy lounge pants, DreamSacks accommodates men with fashionable eco-friendly clothing and undergarments. For example, the Charmeuse Men's Robe provides a loose fit, two convenient pockets, and matching belt. Comprised of Charmeuse silk, women aren’t the only ones slipping into something a bit more comfortable. Available in Black and Chocolate Brown. For Baby: DreamSacks has your little one covered from top to bottom with eco-friendly baby hats and pesticide-free bamboo socks. Accessories and gifts sets include knit baby blankets, bibs, and natural fiber crib sheets. When shopping for an eco-conscious mama-to-be, consider the BabyDreams Collection Gift Set & Outfit ($84) – consisting of a Lemongrass with Nectar trim blanket, Lemongrass Long Sleeve Tee & Pants, and nectar hat and socks. This set is available for babies 3 to 6 months. Bedding: Your bedroom serves as your sanctuary and what better items to enhance your slumber than with DreamSack bedding that includes Handstitched Habotai Silk Coverlet Pillow Shams ($105) and Reversible Silk Charmeuse Coverlets ($378). This BambooDreams Sheet Set ($216) offers a 250-thread count bottom fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases that accommodates Queen, King, California King, and Twin beds. Available in Green Tea, Rain, Natural, Almond, and Sienna. Travel: Whether at home or in the air, you want a luxurious slumber during your jet-setting adventures and the Luxury Travel Kit ($196) aims to place you in first-class surroundings no matter where you may be. For in-flight comfort and hotel room relief, your set will include a Silk/Cashmere blanket (42"x76"), Charmeuse Silk Eyeshades, and an outer bag that doubles as a pillowcase. Available in Chocolate with Cielo Blue. Giving Back I'd also like to applaud DreamSacks for not only their contribution to preserving the environment, but also their effort to give back to less-fortunate communities. DreamSacks supports Coaching for Hope (an organization that uses soccer to fight the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Africa; Hwa Nan Women's College (provides advanced degrees to women in China); and Mercy Corps (helping people beat impossible odds, disasters, and chronic poverty). Image Credits: DreamSacks

8 Eco-Friendly Summer Vacation Getaways

Summer is slowly slipping away, so if you haven’t planned your vacation getaway yet – the eco-friendly hotels and other lodging listed below may help you take a step in the right direction. Doesn’t a bamboo hut situated in a tropical setting sound heavenly? What about staying in a hotel dedicated to a favorite late-night indulgence? Orchard Garden Hotel (San Francisco, California) When planning a trip to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge or enjoy a natural boost of energy at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco offers an array of attractions and activities to keep you busy. However, when it's time to recuperate, where will you lay your head? LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program, the Orchard Garden Hotel provides a relaxing. modern luxury stay for the eco-traveler. Embracing organic and recycled materials, the hotel foregoes toxic paints, glues and varnishes; uses energy-efficient lighting; and supports Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Hotelito Desconocido (Jalisco, Mexico) Instead of wasting electricity, Hotelito Desconocido chooses to light up your vacation stay with solar power and candles. Rooms offer distinct bamboo, palm leaf, and clay huts situated in a protected wetland estuary that provides gorgeous views of the Pacific. Outside of your room, take a stroll through the tropical gardens; enjoy a leisurely tour on horseback; or take advantage of surrounding waters with kayaking, fishing, rowing, and windsurfing. Habitat Suites (Austin, Texas) The BBQ isn’t the only thing attracting tourists to Austin, Texas. Habitat Suites have been a proud member of the Green Hotels Association since 1991. From using ladybugs as a natural pesticide to putting cooling shade trees to good use, this hotel has won over eco-minded guests for many years. Other highlights of Habitat Suites include courtyard swimming pool; hot breakfast buffet with vegan and vegetarian selections; and a luxurious garden filled with flowers, trees, and butterflies. Gaia Napa (American Canyon, California) The Gaia has been utilizing recycled materials and supporting low-energy options since it opened in 2007. Don't think that going green means that your luxury stay suffers. Guests often indulge in the spa, take a dip in the heated outdoor salt water pool, and freshen up in restrooms constructed with recycled tiles and granite. This hotel is certainly proud to hold the title as the 'First Fully Environmentally Sustainable Hotel and Spa' in Napa Valley. Additional highlights of the hotel include recycled carpet content and low-emission paint. Zion Lodge (Zion, Utah) Surrounded by 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, and endless plants and animals, the Zion Lodge is nestled inside the Zion National Park – the perfect summer vacation for nature lovers. Step into one of Zion's Green Suites and you're treated to luxury sustainable features that include bamboo floors, recycled carpet content, organic linens, and convenient key card lighting controls. It's no wonder that the Zion Lodge has won a Sustainable Hotel of the Year Award. Looking for an exciting winter getaway? Open year-round, don't forget to check out special winter rates and packages offered at Zion Lodge from December through mid-March. Other eco-friendly hotels to consider include:

• 70 Park Avenue (New York City) – With the EarthCare eco-program, kitchen oil is transformed into biodiesel, hybrid drivers enjoy discounts, and an eco-concierge is ready and willing to make your stay unforgettable.
• Hotel Triton (San Francisco, California) – What started as just one eco-floor in the 1990s has expanded to all floors since 2003. Designer celebrity suites include Haagen-Dazs "Sweet Suite" (shown above) Kathy Griffin's D-List, and the J. Garcia Suite by Jerry Garcia.
• Hilton (Vancouver, Washington) – Situated just over the bridge from Portland, Oregon, this Hilton recycles 75% construction waste, offers refueling stations for electric cars, supports water conservation, uses less energy, and provides eco-friendly dining at Gray's at the Park.

Photo Credits: Orchard Garden Hotel, Hotelito Desconocido, Habitat Suites VRX Studios (Gaia), Zion Lodge, Hotel

Greening Your Office Space

Back from maternity leave or starting a new job – why not take a step in an earth-friendly direction by greening your office space? From sticky note holders made out of recycled scrap steel to all-natural bamboo chair mats that create luxuriously sleek surroundings, Bambeco offers a variety of items to make an eco-friendly return or entrance into the workplace much easier. To find inspiration, consider some of the green office goods listed below: Recycled Cotton Desk Organizer What better way to increase your productivity than with enhanced organization? This stylish seven-piece desk set looks like fine leather at first glance, but is really constructed from recycled cotton rescued from the clothing industry. Jot important notes in the journal. Keep abreast on the latest news by storing periodicals in the magazine holder. Keep sharpened pencils at attention in an elegant holder. Available in black or brown. Price: $114.95 Rubber Wood Organizer There's nothing worse than sifting through the bottom of your desk for paper clips or looking for the disk containing essential information. Store all of your most important desk accessories in this organizer, which is made out of rubber trees – a sustainable, renewable natural resource that continues to create furniture and other products once all of the latex has been completely extracted. Rubber wood remnants destined for a life of waste are used to make the organizers. At home, this organizer doubles as a holder for recipe cards, photos, and sewing supplies. Available in Grey and Multicolored. Price: $120.00 Recycled Cardboard Desk Organizer Made of 100% recycled material and free of toxic chemicals or bleaches, this honeycomb cell structure is comprised of recycled cardboard. Try dressing your office with an eye-catching penholder that offers many different possibilities – from platter or bowl to fancy table-top decor. Thanks to lightweight fibers, this organizer offers a highly durable structure. Price: $31.00 Penguin & Rooster Recycled PETE Messenger Bag This funky and cool messenger bag is stylishly functional. You'd never know that it was made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles. Perfect for those who love members of the feathered species, make your commute to the office a greener experience with this accommodating carryall. Store your cell phone and water bottle in the side pocket. Enjoy the adjustable, padded shoulder strap for ultimate comfort. Choose from blue, orange and olive. Price: $49.00 Recycled Bicycle Chain Bowl Want an irresistible conversation piece for the office? Consider the allure of recycled bicycle chains, which still have a great amount of life and use left. Offering a classic weave pattern with clean lines, this bowl provides an impressive centerpiece or nifty holder for your keys. Price: $86.00 Bentley Briefcase Attractive and stylish, this briefcase is handcrafted from reclaimed truck inner tubes and aptly named a 'Bentley' bag. Use it to tote your laptop or carry your important papers. Features include 1 ½ " wide adjustable and detachable seatbelt shoulder strap, handle, inside pocket, and two adjustable front spring hook closures. Price: $145.00 When looking to further green your office, don't forget to check out other products and goods offered at Bambeco – like the Recycled Cotton Photobox or a Root Table. Photo Credits: Bambeco

Make Life "Simple" with Eco-Conscious Footwear

It's not uncommon for some people to turn their noses up at the mention of goods comprised of recycled materials. For many, there's just something about 'used' stuff that clouds their sensibilities. However, the creativity and perseverance of eco-friendly minds, like Simple, who make "shoes for a happy planet," has helped shape a growing market and interest for sustainable clothing and footwear. With stylish footwear for men, women, and children – it's quite easy to forget that Simple's comfy sandals, trendy sneakers, and adorable infant shoes are made from recycled carpet padding, car tires, unbleached hemp, bamboo, as well as used soda and water bottles. Feast your eyes on the following selections and you'll see what I mean. Infant's Weebit $24 Colors: Nile Green or Candy Pink (shown)

• Wool felt
• Organic cotton
• Recycled plastic bottles

Kid's GT Janie - Big Kid's $45 Colors: Nile Green (shown) or Candy Pink

• Vegan friendly
• Organic cotton uppers
• Jute – midsoles
• Recycled car tires – outsoles
• Coconut buttons

Women's Teetoe – Silk $65 Other Style: Organic Cotton

• Cork
• Water-based glue
• Recycled car tires - outsoles
• Silk

Women's Satire - Hemp $55 Colors: Black, Cub, or Natural

• Recycled soda bottles for shoe laces
• Recycled car tires - outsoles
• Organic cotton lining and uppers
• Hemp

Men's CARload-Hemp $65 Other Styles: Certified Suede

• Hemp uppers
• Vegan friendly
• Certified organic cotton knit linings
• Recycled car tires for outsoles

About Simple Simple has been around since 1991 and the company has since been successful in learning how to mold natural and recycled materials into strikingly useful, eco-friendly creations. In 2006, Simple embraced post-consumer recycled boxes and biodegradable bags for shipping off their products to happy customers. By introducing recycled materials and securing access to certified pesticide-free organic cotton in 2007, the company further expanded their planet-first approach. Sustainable sneakers soon followed, which ultimately led to the first-ever Footwear Plus Green Award in 2007. Photo Credit: Simple

Luv My Woobie! Has Gone Green

Shopping for new parents this holiday season or looking to pamper your precious little one? Today, a great deal of luxury retailers are discovering the beauty, convenience, and benefits of environmental friendliness by utilizing sustainable and renewable materials when creating their retail masterpieces. At the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas that recently took place last September, Luv My Woobie, Inc. pulled the curtain back on their Organic Collection of high-end baby products. Now, parents can choose an organic blanket and matching burpie made from eco-friendly cotton fabrics and bamboo – something I've never heard used in the production of children's clothing. Speaking of bamboo, did you know that it is one of the most sustainable and renewable crops in the world? Plus, it is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Overall, I think the blankets make a perfect addition to the Luv My Woobie Silk Brocade and Cotton Collections. Each Luv My Woobie! blanket measures 36" x 36" with a convenient pocket and Velcro closure. Satin binding elevates the level of security and comfort for the 'green' baby in your life. Within the Organic Collection, you can choose from three different styles: the Chloe, Jaden and Sage. Green happens to be my favorite color, so the Sage blanket naturally caught my eye. Luv My Woobie, Inc. is also known for satisfying the needs of fashion-conscious mommies, so I'm sure the Chloe will turn a few heads as well.