Eco-Friendly & Green Living Blog

OK, there are loads of reusable bags on the market, so I’m quite particular about ones I’ll use. They have to be lightweight and not bulky, so I can tuck them easily into my purse. For a long time I’ve been using Envirosax bags for those very reasons, but Flip & Tumble’s 24-7 bags win on both those counts, too!

The colours are lovely (there are lots more), the wide strap is built for comfort, and check out how the bag rolls up into a teeny-tiny ball in this video.

Here’s some info on the bags direct from the Flip & Tumble site:

bag size = 12” x 14″ x 5” = large enough for 3 half gallons [2-litres] of milk and then some

ball size = 3” in diameter = the size of a peach

weight capacity = 25 lbs. = strong enough for a bowling ball or two

material = ripstop nylon

felt patch = keeps the bag on your shoulder

washing instructions = machine wash cold, drip dry

plastic bags spared = 1,000+ [how many bags you can potential save by using a reusuable bag!]

Available at: www.flipandtumble.com

Price: from $7 (US) per bag, depending on how many bags you buy!

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There are so many wonderful natural products out there now, you can decorate a whole room with them. Don’t believe me? Check out this room by IKEA. Almost every product in it is natural, from the fibres in the rug, to the rattan in the mirror. And doesn’t it look gorgeous!

So look for natural products where possible and go as green as possible. You might not be able or willing to go 100% green, but whatever you can do is great!

Melbu rattan mirror, $149.

Kvist bamboo flooring, $3.79 per sq ft.

Klinteby 100% wool rug, $199.

Leran rattan/bamboo pendant lamp, $119.

The Karlstad sofa’s 100% cotton cover is machine washable and doesn’t have a stain-repellent coating, $599.

Felicia 100% silk cushion cover, $9.99.

Alvine Krans 100% cotton cushion cover, $14.99 (set of 2).

Skimmer Fin solid mango wood candlesticks, from $12.99.

Blomster recyclable glass vase, $14.99.

Available at: www.ikea.ca

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Is this not one of the most amazing tables you’ve ever seen? Designed by Chris Kabatsi of Los Angeles-based design company Arktura, the Hive table features an algorithmically generated pattern that reminds me of lace or a spider’s web.

Why is the table green? Because it’s constructed of mostly recycled steel and zero-VOC powder-coated finish and is produced in a wind- and solar-powered facility.

The accommodating size – 50″ wide x 16″ deep x 16″ high – means it can be used as a bench or table, and it comes in orange (pictured), black, sea green and white.

Available at: www.vivavi.com

Price: $1,790 (US)

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Trying to find an environmentally friendly crib that’s also good-looking? The Sam Collection of kids furniture from Muu is now available in Canada!

With the incredibly versatile interchangeable panels, you can switch up the look of your child’s room in a flash as they grow, and as their tastes or yours change. Plus, the furniture is made from locally sourced hardwood from verified sustainable sources and formaldehyde-free MDF made from certified recycled wood fibres.

Addendum: In August, 2009, it was announced that Muu’s Sam Collection had been selected as a finalist for the 2009 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Congratulations!

Price: from $449

Available at: Princess and the Pea, Edmonton, www.theprincessandthepea.ca; The Mom Store, Calgary, www.themomstore.ca; Inhabit, Vancouver, www.inhabitshop.com; www.muukids.com

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If you love that whole raw wood thing, check out this stunning ensemble from Restoration Hardware. I’m drooling, simply drooling over the look of this whole room and its Belgian aesthetic.

The Trestle table is made of 2½”-thick pieces of pine salvaged from a distillery in Great Britain, and comes complete with all sorts of character-enhancing dents and dings. The Wine Barrel chandelier is handmade from reclaimed French oak wine barrels hoops and staves. Both are available in limited quantities, since the materials they’re made from are limited, so get them now if you’re interested!

Available at: www.restorationhardware.com

Price: $3,415, table (comes with 2 leaves, seats 8 to 12 people); $2,995, chandelier

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With the warm weather coming, it’s time to whip your skin into shape and that means some serious exfoliation!

Tackle the task with Naturally Upper Canada Body Polish with Buriti Seeds Warm Honey Nectar. It’s paraben- and SLS-free and filled with goodies like honey and shea butter and ground-up buriti and apricot seeds to get rid of dead cells and moisturize your skin beautifully. It smells yummy, too, in a lovely, subtle way that doesn’t overwhelm.

Available at: the Bay, Home Outfitters, Sears.

Price: $15

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