Green Notebooks at Forever21

Summer is here! Take some time out each day and write down everything that happened. Forever21 has a Green Notebook. Less than ten dollars, the notebook has seventy five pages of recycled paper for you to jot down every moment, wish, and list in your life.

Their other notebooks also have recycled paper pages so indulge a little and buy them all.


Forever21 is also offering a book entitled "1001 Ways to Save the Earth", by Joanna Yarrow. Forever21 claims that if you read this book you will learn 1001 different ways to help save the earth.

California Files Lawsuit Against Avalon, Whole Foods Brand

The Great State of California (i.e., the Attorney General) has filed a major lawsuit against body care household-cleaning product companies whose products recently tested highest for the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane, according to the Organic Consumers Association, a "watchdog" organization that released a report in March about the issue.

Their main target? Avalon Natural Products. However, it includes other companies that "have sold products (e.g., body washes, gels, liquid dish soaps) that tested close to or in excess of 20 parts per million for 1,4-Dioxane in the OCA study," which were:

• Whole Foods Market California (365 brand)
• Beaumont Products (Citrus Magic)
• Nutribiotic (See all products tested in the study.)
  

What does this mean for the consumer? Not much - not right now. The complaint is not that this chemical was in the products, but that they were not labeled as products that "may cause cancer."

The lesson here? California is definitely leading the movement towards correct labeling and regulation of personal care and home products...but in the meantime, know your ingredients and READ LABELS. Here's what to look out for (from the OCA press release):

To avoid 1,4-Dioxane, the OCA urges consumers to search ingredient lists for indications of ethoxylation including: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names.

Have You Seen What Else is Green Lately?

Target has created a green section online and in their stores. The section is strictly for natural beauty products. Next time you visit Target be sure to take notice of the new aisle and shelves made just for the natural products.

Nordstrom also has an online 'Organic Style' and 'Organic & Natural' to shop from. The Organic Style isn't just for women; they have categories and items for juniors, men, and kids - and even a home category. Organic & Natural carries various beauty and skin care products.

And have you seen Sephora lately? They're advertising that you can be as natural as you want to be. American Apparel, as we've mentioned before carries organic clothing for men, women, children, and babies. With their vintage eye wear they are, in a sense, recycling, so feel free to pick up a pair or two and not feel guilty about it at all! You're helping recycle some old fashions...

Baggu Bags for the Eco-Chic

Baggu is attempting to replace all paper and plastic bags! They are working on making our world just a little bit better with one Baggu bag at a time. 

Baggu bags are reusable, light, and compactible. The Baggu bags are not only handy when it comes to grocery shopping, but can also be used as a quick gym bag or a stylish tote. The bags are about $10 each and at a price like that they are a real deal on an investment.

Visit their site and make your purchase fast!

Spring Cleaning With Green Maids...and Method

Greenway Maid is an eco-friendly cleaning agency! What a relief to finally find not only someone else to do a whole house or office worth of cleaning, but also a team of people who will do it using green cleaning products!

If you can't afford a maid, check out Method. They have various products that are naturally-derived and are biodegradable. I would suggest trying the 'Detox Kit' - it is everything you'll need in order to get rid of the dirt and filth in your home and do it without any chemicals.

Also, check out their tote! You can bump Amy Winehouse's Rehab song while carrying this very versatile bag.