The New Look of Compost

In many realms of life, being eco-conscious can be achieved without a lot of hassle. We can make a big difference by buying organic or locally grown food, driving fuel-efficient vehicles, and even wearing eco-chic clothing and jewelry. Until recently, whether or not to compost would not have been considered an easy environmentally aware decision. This is changing, however, as several companies are producing new receptacles and devises that make it possible for even the most finicky of us to compost with ease.

The Basics

Compost describes the process that occurs when nitrogen and carbon rich materials, such as vegetable scraps and paper products, come together and decompose. Humus (not to be confused with the lovely chick-pea spread of a similar name) is the final product of this process and looks like dark, moist soil. It is very rich in nutrients and can be used as a fabulous fertilizer. Composting is a great way to create homemade garden fertilizer as well as to divert waste that would end up in a landfill. The Old Way Many households and even municipalities in the United States are currently composting. This typically becomes an activity akin to gardening. The nitrogen-rich food scraps are collected in the kitchen and periodically placed into an outdoor bin. In this bin, the scraps are mixed with carbon rich materials such as dried leaves or paper products. Eventually, the contents of this compost bin will completely decompose leaving the valuable humus. The unfortunate part of this process is that you are essentially creating a bin of decomposing or rotting waste that you must monitor and add to. It can take up to a year for the compost to be ready, and when it is, you must “harvest” the final product by essentially digging through the bin to sort out pieces which did not decompose and then collecting the humus to be used in your garden. This procedure involves buckets, shovels, and a willingness to get dirty at the very least. The New Way While digging around in outdoor compost bins might sound like a lot of fun to some, for those of us who are looking for a cleaner way or who may not have the time or outdoor space to dedicate to a compost bin, there are some alternatives. First, when it comes to collecting food scraps, there are many products now that make this an attractive and easy thing to do on any kitchen counter. The Kitchen Compost Crock, available online, is a ceramic container which not only can be an attractive addition to any kitchen, but also comes with features such as a carbon filter to absorb odors. Once the food scraps are collected and stored in this or a similar container, there are now options for creating the final product right in your kitchen. Bokashi, which is originally a Japanese method of food scrap fermentation, combines an air-tight container with a Bokashi mix, containing many micro-organism, to produce a garden supplement in days, not months. Airtight bins and the Bokashi mix are available online and are a great way to divert your food waste quickly, easily, and without all the mess. For those of you who are ready to take the next step beyond eco-conscious purchases and recycling, compost is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as well as create a product which is useful for your garden, as a gift to a friend, or even as a donation to a local public garden to help curb their use of chemical fertilizers. Image Credits: Spikes Sanctuary, Gardeners.com, Cleantechnica.com

Shopping for an Eco-Mama

From eye-catching bassinets to organic receiving blankets, the number of luxury baby products and eco mama-to-be gifts continue to expand as more companies embrace an environmentally conscious approach towards providing sustainable goods. For example, browse the eco-friendly items at The Land of Nod and you're sure to fall in love with brands, like Stokke, Pixel Organics, Cariboo, Svan, Ecotots, and Ergaorganics. A sample of eco-friendly gifts for expecting mothers include: Stokke Sleepi System 1 Crib Currently on sale for $799.00, the Stokke Sleepi System 1 Crib (above) is originally priced at $999.00, but the extra greenbacks are certainly worth it for a nursery outfitted with this strikingly clean design. Easily converting from a bassinet to a crib, parents will surely embrace this time saving unit. With beechwood construction, the eco-friendly Stokke Sleepi System 1 Crib also offers four adjustable mattress heights, lockable wheels, and portability – perfect for any room of the home. Choose from Stained Espresso or painted White finishes, offered only at The Land of Nod. Cariboo Earth Folding Bassinet It's only natural that a parent wants their child to sleep in safe and secure surroundings. Made by Scandinavian Child, this eco-friendly bassinet accommodates newborns up to 22 pounds. Handcrafted from sustainable Radiata pine, the stained finish is water-based and biodegradable. This gift also comes with an unbleached, all natural cotton bassinet bag, fitted sheet, and eco-dyed veil. The New Zealand wool mattress supplies natural fiber comfort and is also covered in unbleached cotton. Price: $449.95 Svan High Chair When it's time to entice a little one with strained peas and turkey noodle surprise, serve meals in style with this eco-friendly high chair, crafted from birch and made by Scandinavian Child. Dealing with a fussy eater? The Svan High Chair is easy to clean, offering a wipe-down wood finish and a dishwasher safe plastic tray cover that easily snaps off. Other features of the high chair include:

• Three-point safety harness system
• Simply twist a knob to expand safety guard
• Seat adjusts vertically and horizontally
• Adjustable footrest

The Land of Nod offers your choice of Cherry, Espresso, Mahogany or Natural stain. If you'd like to go for the gusto, select a coordinating cushion to accompany your gift: Blue, Brown or Green. Price: $259.95 UPPAbaby Vista Stroller This 2009 UPPAbaby Vista Stroller model retails at $669.99 and has been dubbed the ' SUV of the stroller world.' With a rugged design, the Vista Stroller provides an attractive, lightweight (thanks to the same aluminum alloy used in aircrafts) , and highly functional gift to the eco-mama ready to shed a little baby weight tackling the local park or neighborhood streets in style. UPPAbaby also added an eco-friendly bassinet lined with a blend of organic cotton and soybean fiber to sweeten the deal. What more can you ask for? Other features to consider include telescoping one-touch handle height adjustment, easy folding for storage, cell phone pocket, and removable, machine washable fabric. One last tempting detail…the included weather shield, mesh sunshade, bug cover and pop-out SPF 50 canopy extension that delivers 30% more sun coverage. This product is for newborns to children weighing 50 pounds. Available colors include: Black (Jake), Blue (Myles), Green (Carlin), Red (Denny) or Silver (Mica). Ecotots' Big Kahuna Bookcase What better place to store all of the bouncy balls, stuffed animals, and pop-up books in a child's room than with a 100% formaldehyde-free, FSC Certified birch plywood bookcase? Offering an extra deep and wide bottom shelf that makes gathering precious possessions easy for little hands, the Ecotots' Big Kahuna Bookcase assembles within minutes without the need for cumbersome tools. The bookcase is decorated with a non-toxic, water-based stain (Cocoa or White finish) and delivered in less than one week. Price: $335.00 Little Twig Baby Bath Gift Set If you're looking for a thoughtful gift for an upcoming baby shower, the Little Twig's baby basics gift pack is built to please the mother who plans to bath her child in eco-friendly luxury. Made with certified organic and natural bathing essentials, this gift includes a plush caterpillar washcloth, stimulating extra-mild baby powder, and organic lavender baby wash and bodymilk. Packaged in a reusable plastic bag, the gift set caters to newborns and older. With this particular gift, take note that a portion of proceeds will benefit Every Child Foundation. Price: $39.99 Photo Credit: The Land of Nod

VivaTerra – Living in Harmony with Nature

Helping consumers live a healthy life and make the world a better place for future generations, VivaTerra (which translates into 'living earth') is dedicated to marketing products that promote a harmonious existence with nature. Supporting VivaTerra means embracing a company committed to delivering high-quality, organic, sustainable products that highlight eco-friendly materials, designs, and intent. Below, enjoy just a sampling of what you can find on the VivaTerra website: Home & Garden Filled with lighting options, outdoor décor, and door mats made out of recycled flip flops, VivaTerra offers an extensive roster of home and garden products, including the eye-catching, wooden birdcage design shown above – perfect for bird lovers. The Birdcage Lamp makes a grand conversation piece and comes complete with a sliding door and bottom. Please note that this lamp works well with energy-saving 13-watt CFL bulbs. Eco-Accents When looking for a fresh and earth-friendly way to decorate your home, Vivaterra is filled with candleholders, glass lamps, lanterns, and hand-embroidered pillows. Other eco-friendly décor to consider includes the Boatwood Clock (made from dismantled Thai fishing boats) and the Round Stone Mat (a collection of flat stones polished by natural waters). Kitchen & Dining Whether you're entertaining your next dinner party or wish to add centerpiece excitement to your dining room table, VivaTerra has an assortment of kitchen décor to choose from, as well as flatware, recycled glassware, and this attractive Entwined Leaf Candelabra. Surrounded by metal limbs with sprouting leaves that stretch out to display nine recycled glass cups, it's easy to enhance your ambiance with the addition of decorative tapers or seat tealights. Bed, Bath & Spa VivaTerra also helps consumers add an extra special touch to their bed and bath settings. With the Ivory & Gold Suzani Bench, it's hard to ignore the beauty of antique, decorative tribal textiles made in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries. As part of the VivaTerra eco suzani collection, this striking bench is comprised of 100% organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and sustainable sheesham wood. Fashioned from rejected cans and containers, you may choose to decorate your room with brightly textured tin letters that provide inspiration and certainly liven up your surroundings. Joining the Misprint "Dream" Letters, you will find kitchen and gardening themes, such as 'eat,' 'grow,' and 'go! green.' Women's Department With handbags, jewelry, and clothing, VivaTerra also carries goods made specifically with the earth-friendly woman in mind. Just one of the VivaTerra standouts in the women's department includes the Hand-Embroidered Organic Cotton Rabbit Bag. Easily impress your friends with alluring pre-historic animal designs decorating 100% organic cotton bags. A couple of bag features to note include a pouch for phone or glasses, and decorative fringed sash. Photo Credits: VivaTerra

Got Juice? Exotic Flavors, All-Natural Goodness - Bolthouse Farms Does!

I'm always on the lookout for new organic and natural products, especially while shopping at my regular grocery store.  Last week, I picked up a couple bottles of juice from Bolthouse Farms when I noticed them on sale.

Bolthouse Farms Juices are not organic, but they are all-natural and the taste and variety are rather addictive!  After browsing the product selection online, I'm a bit disappointed with my local selection but I do plan to look for their new yogurt-based dressings the next time I shop.  

I tried out the Mango Lemonade - it's definitely a drink to fall in love with!  The fresh taste of southern lemonade is pleasantly sweetened with the hint of exotic mango flavor.  A Berry Boost Smoothie was my husband's pick.  Made with 5 different berries, apple juice, and bananas, this drink was equally delicious.  I'm also wanting to try the strawberry-banana smoothie and the mocha cappuccino protein drink.

About Bolthouse Farms 

William Bolthouse began Bolthouse Farms in 1915 in Michigan.  By the 1950's, the farm was supplying leading food manufacturers and restaurants with fresh produce for their own products.  Carrots became one of the farms most popular crops and in 1972, the company relocated to sunny California where their high-demand carrots could be grown year round.  

Today, Bolthouse Farms harvests acres of carrots every single day, operating a variety of processing, packaging, and bottling facilities in the Bakersfield, CA area.  An acacia berry farm is also owned and operated by the Bolthouse family, located in Belem, Brazil.  

Environmental Responsibility

While the crops at Bolthouse Farms may not be organically grown, the company values both social and environmental responsibility.  

• All products boast recyclable packaging.
• Solar panels generate the power needed to irrigate fields.
• High speed rail transports products from Bakersfield to Chicago, reducing carbon emissions drastically compared to truck delivery.
• Spray Safe pesticide techniques are used to minimize the harm pest prevention can have on people and foods. 
• Great care is given to the nutritional value of every product, from growing to packaging.

I highly recommend trying a Bolthouse Farms juice when you have the chance!  Let us know your favorite flavors in the comments and take the time to visit the recipes section of the website for some excellent smoothie and carrot dish ideas.

Photos via BolthouseFarms.com

Transform Your Water into Eco-Friendly Sparkling Water and Soda

Whether it's a bulky plastic jug, aluminum can, or even the container used to hold your Starbucks double latte, the cups and other items used to quench your thirst continue to threaten the environment – despite advancements in recycling and recyclable packaging. If you enjoy soda, seltzer, and energy drinks, then you're in luck – the Soda-Club has something to keep you eco-friendly and hydrated. The Pros of the Soda-Club Home Soda Maker In addition to reducing the waste that ends up in your local landfill, the Soda Club offers a handful of benefits that allows you to save money. You no longer have to wait for your favorite flavor of soda to go on sale. What about the physical demands of dragging bottled soda, finding a place to store your drinks, and then battling beverages that goes flat? Today, you can create your own flavors on the spot without ever leaving the comforts of your home. All you have to do is press a button and out comes delicious flavors, like vanilla cola and Soda-Club's version of Dr. Pepper. The Soda-Club Home Soda Maker is also: A great conversation piece. Comes in a sleek color combination of black and silver. Fun for the whole family – kids really get a kick out of the process. Easy to operate and quick to deliver. A Wealth of Flavors With selections starting at $4.99 (about 40 cents per liter), you will receive an economy-sized bottle of soda mix that produces 12 liters of fresh soda. That's about 1 ½ cases of eco-friendly beverages. I'm sure you'll be able to find a couple of Soda-Club flavors that suits your fancy. A sample of choice includes: Soda Mixes: Available in regular, diet, and caffeine-free flavors, choose from the likes of Lemon-Lime, Root Beer, and a rather appetizing Cranberry-Raspberry creation. Seltzer: Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry Energy Drink: Imagine an energy drink at 25 cents per serving that revitalizes your body with vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, folate, riboflavin, vitamin C, caffeine and biotin. If you're ready to indulge in the luxury of having soda and seltzer at your fingertips, you'll be pleased to know that the Soda-Club Home Soda Maker does not require a membership, offers a three-year warranty, and provides a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.

In the end, the Soda-Club helps you cut down on the amount of waste that damages the environment. This is accomplished through the use of reusable carbonating bottles fitted with hermetic seals that also protect your carbonated drinks from going flat. Available in stainless steel, black, white, and half-liter designs, you can easily choose a unit to match the décor of your kitchen.