What is in Your Kitchen Sponge?

We have all heard about the bacteria that gets trapped in kitchen sponges, but what you may not be aware of is the toxins lurking in your sponge. If you are reading this blog, chances are you are starting to make small changes in your home to lead a “cleaner” lifestyle. You may have already switched to a safer dish soap. My personal favorite is the Honest Company Grapefruit Grove. Kudos to you for switching to a safer dish soap but guess what? You may also want to swap out your kitchen sponge that could otherwise be completely reversing your green cleaning swaps.

Many everyday sponges are derived from polyurethane which is a petroleum-based byproduct. Many conventional sponges are made from tiny plastics that are also harming our environment as they get washed directly into our water streams.

Are you using an anti-bacterial or odor eliminating sponge? Chances are these sponges contain triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as being a pesticide. The FDA recently banned triclosan from antibacterial soaps (wait, don’t celebrate too soon). The ban only affects a small portion of the products on the market containing the chemical. Triclosan has been linked to hormone disruption as well as other developmental issues and is still used in many other personal care products including toothpaste.

The final issue I have with sponges is the waste. I would use a kitchen sponge for 1-2 weeks and then toss it in the garbage because I was worried about bacteria spreading.

Here are a few alternatives I have found that work great and last!

1. R.S.V.P - Best Multipurpose Washable

   These make a great alternative to Brillo pads which are filled with harmful chemicals. I love the R.S.V.P scrubby cloths because they work on all surfaces and you can toss them in the dishwasher or washing machine. These work amazing on pots and pans and are made from recycled cotton. These do contain a nylon coating, so while these are eco-friendly in the sense they last forever and use recycled materials, they are not biodegradable. This is what I have found work best for a really good scrub and can be used anywhere in the home. They are by far the most long lasting even after rounds and rounds in the dishwasher to sanitize.

2. Twist Clean 100% Plant Based- Best Everyday Use Plant Based

   Twist gets its claim to fame as the world’s first 100% plant based kitchen sponge. Twist does not use any glues or dyes in the constructions of their sponges but instead uses 100% plant based materials in the manufacturing. The wood pulp for their cellulose is from FSC Certified sources and all of scrubbers and sponges are hand sewn onto their cellulose bases. I really like the loofah sponge for everyday use and the fact that these are 100% biodegradable make them a great sustainable option. In full disclosure I didn’t love the scour pads because I felt like they didn’t hold up although they are designed for tough scrubbing.

3. Rowen Stillwater -Best Investment

   This is the sponge of all sponges and an investment in cleaner living. I came across Rowen Stillwater on Etsy when searching for paperless towel options. This brand is located in the U.K. and focuses on sustainable, vegan homewares for a zero waste life. I am definitely not living a zero waste life but am working hard towards less waste and using sustainable materials. This company has some really awesome options for living a plastic free lifestyle so definitely worth checking out their Easy shop Rowen Stillwater.

   The UnSponge is plastic free alternatives to disposable dish sponges - ideal for eco-friendly cleaning or a zero waste home, they also make great house warming gifts for green-conscious friends! 
   
   The UnSponge comes in a pack of 3 for $19.95. This heavy duty sponge is made with a strong, wide-mesh hessian top for added scrubbing power and a brushed cotton core. These are biodegradable and washable but again don’t last as long as the R.S.V.P scrubbers. These can be tossed in the washing machine and air dried.

Safe Cutting Board Basics

We have slowly been switching over many items in our home.  One of the first places I started making safer swaps was in our kitchen.  I started with swapping out plastic food containers, dishes, kids plates, etc.  One of my biggest struggles for finding a safer alternative was our cutting board.  To me, this is no brainer swap.  Our family's biggest monthly expense is food.  We spend a lot on purchasing organic and local produce and the last thing I want to do is contaminate any of the food with a plastic or treated wooden cutting board.  Many plastic cutting boards are treated with triclosan which was recently banned from hand soap.  Also, there is no conclusive evidence stating they are any less likely to harbor bacteria.  

Now for the hard part, choosing the safest wooden board; this can be a challenge.  Lucky for you, I have spent a lot of time researching and will be sharing my safest find in this post.  

One of the first "safer" cutting boards I purchased is Epicurean.  Here is why it important to do your research and always dig a little deeper.  I purchased this cutting board about 5 years ago, before I knew what I know now.  When I bought from this company, I was excited about the eco-friendly philosophy.  Epicurean prides themselves on crafting products that are not only simple, functional and long-lasting, but also environmentally responsible from start to finish. They choose materials which are both durable and eco-friendly, and use a production process that minimizes  waste. It sounded like a great alternative.  

Once I started doing some more research, I came to find that these cutting boards are made from  layers of paper that are then soaked with phenolic resin and cured to create a solid sheet.  I have come to find (thanks to Wikipedia) that phenolic resin is a combination of phenol, which was first extracted from coal tar, and formaldehyde. Ummmm, no thank you!! 

Another alternative I tried a few years ago, was bamboo.  Bamboo is a relatively inexpensive wood and is appealing to look at.  However, the problem with bamboo cutting boards is knowing the source and how the bamboo was grown.  Most bamboo is not grown organically, and it is important to understand the finish used on the wood.  In my research, one of the most popular finishes is mineral oil which is an oil we want to avoid. 

Drumroll please!!!! Meet Urthware, solid wooden cutting boards made by hand. I invested in 2 cutting boards, a large and a small.  It took about 4 weeks to arrive as they are all made to order by hand.  Believe me, it well worth the wait.  When I first started poking around on the website (www.urthware.com) I was struck by the mission:

"To make naturally safe cutting boards and kitchenware without the toxic, synthetic and/or petroleum based chemicals found in most cutting boards.  From our 100% Canadian locally sourced (100 mile) ethically harvested lumber, to our organic finishes, to our all natural gum tree rubber feet. We go out of our way to create products that are as natural as possible and healthy for your family to use.  Why buy expensive organic food just to place it on either a plastic cutting board, a glue filled bamboo board (usually an untested glue) or a wooden board containing toxic glues (untested) or scrap lumber or lumber obtained in unethical ways? When you now do have a choice. Urthware, naturally safe kitchenware."

Here is why I recommend Urthware:

1. These handmade cutting boards are made from organic solid wood. Urthware uses 100% Canadian Hard Maple sourced within 100 miles of our facility and all ethically harvested and/or FSC certified.

2.  Urhtware doesn't use any petroleum based products, chemical sprays, insecticides, fungicides, etc. Each board is made from one solid piece of wood eliminating the need for any glue. 

3. Each board contains rubber feet to prevent any slipping while cutting. The rubber comes from handmade natural gum tree.

To maintain the quality of your board you will want to oil it regularly.  I use an organic beeswax polish, but there are many other options including coconut oil, walnut oil, carnauba wax, etc. 

Organic Paperless Towels

A few months ago I posted about Swedish Dish Cloths and how they are a great alternative to paper towels.  I love our dish cloths and use them daily for clean up and wiping the counters.  However, I was looking for something in particular to help with kiddo clean up and wiping faces after mealtime.  We were still grabbing and wasting many paper towels.  In our effort to produce less waste, these organic cloths are the perfect solution.  

Both of my daughters have graduated from the most wonderful Waldorf parent-child class imaginable.  If you ever have the opportunity to experience a Waldorf early childhood program, I highly recommend you give it a try.  It is magical to say the least. 

The reason I speak of this experience, is because this is where I discovered  the softest, most durable organic cloths I have found.  I decided to order a couple of sets for our family to use as napkins and for clean up.  After using these for a  couple of months, I give them 5 stars.  

Here is why I love them:

1. They are made from organic, unbleached cotton.  

2. They are soft, durable and super easy to throw in the washing machine.  They actually get softer with each wash.   I just throw them in anytime I do a load of laundry.  If they get stained I will presoak with Oxi Clean FREE and it works like a charm. 

3. Cloths come in a variety of colors. The border of each cloth is hand sewn and my girls love the rainbow colors.

4. Gina's Soft Cloths are the perfect alternative to paper napkins.

5. They are handmade in West Virginia. For those of you who don't know, my husband is from WV and my in-laws still live there. Pretty ironic considering I discovered these in Vermont.  You can shop a variety of ways;  Gina Jordan has a website, Etsy shop, and sells on Amazon, my favorite way to shop.

In addition to the paperless towels, Gina also makes napkins, dish towels, and washable baby wipes.  I have actually been using these as washcloths to wash my face at night.  I prefer the two ply for napkins and kitchen clean up.  The one ply work well for washcloths, especially for kids and babies.  Give these a try, I promise you will LOVE them! 

Shopping information:

www.GinasSoftClothShop.net

www.GinasSoftClothShop.etsy.com

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Earth Day, Every Day Favorites

America has become a land of convenience and waste, but the good news is there is an increasing sense of awareness.  I think as a nation, we are becoming more aware of making small changes every day to better ourselves, as well as our planet.  Over the past few years I have become more concious of reducing waste and using less plastic.  This year, the Earth Day Campaign is dedicated to ending plastic pollution. Plastic is poisoning the oceans and marine life,  disrupting human hormones, and littering our earth.  Check out a few startling statistics about plastic and the environment. (earthday.org)

-Humans buy about 1,000,000 plastic bottles per minute.  Only about 23% of plastic bottles are recycled in the United States.

-It is estimated that 4 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year.  Only 1% of plastic bags are returned for recycling.  Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags annually. 

- Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used each day in the United States.

- 500 billion disposable cups are used every year.

This is a list of my top ways to reduce the use of plastic in your home.  Every little bit helps and be sure to pass on this knowledge to your friends and family. 

1. Reusable Bags

When you go to the grocery store be sure to bring your own reusable bags and produce bags.  I often buy in bulk so I will bring my own glass jars as well.  Here are my favorite product bags, you can also use them for bulk items like rice, pasta, nuts, oats, etc. 

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2. Stasher Bags

Stasher Bags are a great alternative to zip lock bags. These bags are self sealing, come in a variety of sizes, and made from 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone.  Stashed bags are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher and boiling water.  Unlike plastic bags, Stasher bags contain no petroleum, no PVC, and no latex.

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3. Reusable Straws

The amount of plastic straws polluting our oceans is staggering.  You can easily make a difference by politely refusing straws when dining out and encourage friends and family to do the same.  You can also reach out to local restaurants and eatery's in your community and suggest they only give straws to patrons upon request.  I have been carrying stainless steel straws in my bag for my kids to use when we are out. This a great way to reduce straw pollution and also teach the next generation to be earth conscious.  

This my favorite straw set, it includes a variety sizes, two brush cleaners and a muslin bags to keep straws sanitary in your  bag. 

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4. Bee's Wrap

I have blogged about this great alternative in the past.  This product is the natural alternative to plastic wrap.  Bee's Wrap is handmade in Bristol, VT by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin.  Bee's Wrap is washable, reusable, and compostable.  And the best part...it works!  

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5. Reusable Stainless Steel Tumbler

If you are anything like me, I am always running out the door in the morning.  As much as I would love to quietly sip hot coffee on the couch, it rarely ever happens.  I am huge fan of the french press.  Each morning I make coffee and pour it into a stainless steel reusable tumbler to bring with me on the go.  This keeps my coffee hot and tasting fresh all morning.  If I need to stop at a coffee shop for a refill, I have my reusable cup on hand.  

Did you know that paper coffee cups are not recyclable?   I just learned this startling fact. Though they are made largely of paper, disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic polyethylene, which is tightly bonded to the paper making the cups waterproof and therefore able to contain liquid.

My favorite is the Yeti, it keeps your favorite drink hot or cold for hours! 

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I also highly recommend this book to keep on hand as a resource for greener and cleaner living while keeping your sanity. 

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8 Tried and True Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Last year was our year.  The year we just couldn't get healthy during cold and flu season.  I swear we had everything you could possibly get from December through March.  This year has been a different story. Granted, we are all doomed to have a (pardon my French) winter from hell so these methods may or may not work for everyone. However, I have found them helpful this year and I also have peace of mind.  Here are my top ways to keep your family as healthy as possible this winter. 

1. Nasal Spray

I read an article a couple of years ago about using a nasal spray before traveling on an airplane.  The dryness from the cabin can wreak havoc on your sinuses and a nasal spray can keep the moisture in your nose.  The same holds true during winter months.  The excess amount of time spent indoors can cause your nasal passage to dry out and crack, making you more susceptible to bacterial infections.  Be sure to read your labels before purchasing a nasal spray. Many over the counter saline solutions have an added preservative to keep bacteria from growing in them.  The trouble appears to be with the most common preservative, benzalkonium chloride,  which can kill off important cells found in the nose.  The brand I use is XLEAR and for my kids, Naturade.  You can use a few times a day, but I find before bed does the trick.

2. Wash Your Hands

This seems pretty common sense, however I have seen recent articles about hand washing not being affective.  I, on the other hand (haha) completely disagree.  Since we are not often in an area with soap and water I always carry a hand sanitizer in my bag.  My favorite is The Honest Company hand sanitizer spray.  It is a safer alternative and is free from parabens, triclosan, synthetic fragrance, and benzalkonium chloride which is a known skin irritant.  It ranks a 1 on the EWG Healthy Living App.  Make sure to download this incredible resource to check the toxicity of your personal care products. 

3. Vitamins

I am a firm believer in taking a daily multivitamin.  I take one every day and so do my kids.  It should not act as a replacement for any nutrition you get from eating a healthy and balanced diet, but instead help with nutritional shortfalls, especially during cold and flu season. My favorite brand for both myself and kids is Garden of Life.  The kids organic line of gummies is packed full of real fruits and vegetables, and steers clear of processed sugars and syrups, artificial colors and flavorings, animal products, and GMOs.  I also boost the girls Vitamin C intake during the winter with an additional Vitamin C gummy, UCUBES is the brand we use. 

4. Essential Oils

Essetail oils have a ton of health benefits and can help plague common illnesses before resorting to less holistic measures.  I love to diffuse a blend of oils during the winter, especially at night to help clear any congestion.  There are many great essential oil companies and many to be more cautious of.  I personally recommend Young Living and Rocky Mountain.  Young Living also makes a Kidscents Sniffleease that I recently tested out and love! It is already diluted and you can diffuse or put a roller top on and roll onto kids chests before bed to help clear congestion.  Both of my girls loved this! 

5. Humidifier

Again, the cold dry air of winter months can cause a lot of problems.  A humidifier adds moisture to the air and can prevent the movement of germs.  I run humidifiers in the bedrooms at night to help breathing and congestion, and it is good for your skin.  Make sure to clean your humidifier weekly to prevent any mold build up.  I empty the basin every night and use vinegar to clean weekly.  You can find great tutorials online showing you the best way to clean your humidifier. 

6. Raw Manuka Honey

I could do an entire blog post on the benefits of Manuka Honey.  It has incredible health benefits and is worth every penny at almost $45 a jar.  Manuka honey is very expensive because of its medicinal value. It can boost your immunity as well as help fight the common cold and flu. Try taking a teaspoon of Manuka Honey 1-2 times per day as a boost to your immune system. I also love adding a spoonful to tea every night.  You can also sip a teaspoon of manuka honey to help with a cough.  Try taking about 15 minutes to sip a spoonful, it will soothe your throat and help decrease irritation.  Manuka honey is also great for kids. The brand I recommend is Wedderspoon. I usually buy KFactor16.  The higher the KFactor the higher the percentage of manuka pollen grains. This will also effect the price of your honey.  I recommend a KFactor of at least 10. 

7.  Elderberry Syrup

My husband swears by Elderberry!  Elderberries are an incredible source of vitamins A and C, which are beneficial in helping the body stay healthy.  Elderberry syrup also contains bioflavonoid which boost the body's immune system by increasing antioxidant levels.  Try taking 1-2 teaspoons daily.  Our favorite company is a local Vermont father-daughter duo called Earth Soothers.  Our favorite is cinnamon and the girls LOVE it too! 

Here is a link to their website: Earth Soothers

8. A Cup of Tea

There is something very comforting about drinking a cup of tea during the winter months.  We drink tea almost every evening as soon as the weather gets cool.  Tea is another great source of antioxidants. I have been brewing the Yogi Echinacea Immune Support which contains black elderberry exact and mullein – herbs traditionally used to support respiratory function. It also contains peppermint, lemongrass and licorice to boost your immune system. 

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The Best Alternative to Paper Towels

I set quite a few goals for 2018 and one of them is to use less paper towels.  We are pretty excessive about paper towel consumption in our house.  They are usually the first thing I reach for when there is a  spill, to wipe down the counters, or to wipe messy faces.  Paper towels are convenient, but definitely not environmentally friendly.  I have a couple friends who don't use ANY paper towels, I have always been so impressed by this.  Although I am not quite ready to ditch paper towels for good, I am determined to use about half the amount we have used in past years. 

I recently discovered my favorite alternative.  They are Swedish dishclothes.  These little bad boys are amazing.  You can use them for just about anything and then throw them in the washing machine or dishwasher to reuse! And the best part is that once you are finished with them completely (about 50 washes) they are 100% biodegradable.  

They are made from all natural materials (wood cellulose and cotton) and are made in Sweden with water based inks.  The patterns are adorable and they make great gifts as there is literally a pattern for everyone.   According to marketing, they absorb 15 times their own weight in water.  

Here are my top 5 reasons to try Swedish Dishcloths:

1. They are multipurpose.  You can use these to wash dishes, wipe your counters, clean up spills, They do the work of a sponge without the bacteria, and paper towel without the waste.

2. They are pretty.  Okay, I know that is a ridiculous reason, but they really are.  They come in the cutest designs and can brighten up your kitchen and make you smile!

3. They are environmentally friendly.  Like I mentioned, they are washable and 100% biodegradable.  I toss them in the washing machine and then lay flat to dry.  I did make the mistake of putting in the dryer and my dishcloth survived.  It looked like it shrunk, but once it got wet it was back to normal. 

4. They last a long time! Swedish dishcloths are designed to be washed at least 50 times so these are well worth the investment.

5. They are affordable. Speaking of investment, they are worth every penny.  The dishcloths cost about $6 each.  I have found them at local stores as well as Amazon.  I have linked my favorite Amazon set below. 

Swedish Cleaning Cloth Kitchen Bathroom Dish Wash Reusable Natural Eco-Friendly Sponge Towel Chickens (Set of 4)

Swedish Treasures

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My Top 9 (cleaning products)

I have done a lot of research on safer cleaning products that actually work.  I use the Environmental Working Group's website ewg.org as a guide to find the safest products to use in my home.  I love this resource.  It is extremely important to read your labels and research each individual product.  Don't assume that a product from a certain "green" company is safe, ingredients vary in each product so check your labels and use the EWG as a resource.  You can find guides for food, personal care products, sunscreen, and more!  Vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, and lemon go a long way but for specific tasks I have created a list of my favorites.  

1. Favorite Dishwasher Detergent: Seventh Generation Dishwasher Packs 

I used to use Cascade (ugh, I know) and hated when I would open the dishwasher and there would be a harsh chemical smell.  It truly smelled toxic.  I became really aware of this once I had my daughter. I absolutely love these Seventh Generation packs! What we use to clean our dishes is really important.  Chlorine bleach, fragrance, and sulfuric acid are all common ingredients in many dishwasher detergents.  READ YOUR LABELS! 

2. Favorite Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover: BioKleen

This is a great solution for carpets, sofas and even clothes.  I use it mostly for carpet stains.  With having two little ones running around it is important to have a safe stain remover.  BioKleen uses plant-based formulas and essential oils in their products.  There is no artificial fragrance or colors. 

3. Favorite Dish Soap: Honest Co Honest Dish Soap, white grapefruit

I am a big fan of the Honest Company.  I started with their diapers and wipes and now also get their essentials bundle.  I love the dish soap, its gentle and mild but actually works.  My favorite is white grapefruit.  I also really love Seventh Generation dish soap, this one may be a tie. 

4. Floor Cleaner (both tile and hardwood): evover floor soap

I became very aware about what I was using to clean my floors once I had kids.  I would watch my daughter crawl all over the floor and then stick her fingers in her mouth.   I started wondering what chemicals were in my current floor cleaner, two words, not good!  I have used a variety of floor cleaners in the past and have made my own.  I really like ecover because it works well on hardwood and tile floors.  It is very concentrated so you just add a small amount to water and you are all set! 

5. Laundry Stain Remover: Good old OxiClean  

I almost always have a bucket filled with OxiClean and water in our laundry room soaking with kids clothes.  I am always amazed that after soaking and being thrown in the laundry the stains have disappeared, it is seriously magic.

6. Laundry Detergent: Honest Company 4 in 1 Laundry Pods Free and Clear

I remember when I was pregnant and my mom suggested Dreft detergent to wash all of my newborn clothes in.  That is what she believed to be safe and why not? It is marketed to brand new babies.  I wish I knew then what I know now.  All I can do is move forward and continue to educate myself and my daughters. I have tried a few different safe laundry detergents and so far this is my favorite.  It also received an A on ewg.org. Not all Honest Company products are as clean, but these are a keeper!

7.  Wood Cleaner:  Seventh Generation wood cleaner

I love this wood cleaner.  It smells refreshing and works well on our wood table.  It is coconut oil based and uses lemon and chamomile essential oils for scent.  It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and contains no phosphates.  I also use it to clean our cherry cabinets.  Can't say enough about this product. 

8.  Bathroom Cleaner: Seventh Generation Tub and Tile Natural Cleaner

This works great on tubs, tile, and sinks.  Literally just spray and wipe.  The ingredients are nontoxic and biodegradable.  NO fumes, chlorine, petroleum baed solvents, glycol ethers, phosphates, dyes or strong acids. 

9.  Honest Company Wet Mopping Pads

I love these for a quick floor clean.  These fit perfectly on my old Swiffer (eeeeek) mop.  I also use these for our mudroom floor in the winter that is constantly dirty.  They work well on tile and won and smell wonderful. 

My Top 10 (and least expensive ways) to keep it clean

1. Shop seasonal and freeze.  I love the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies we can get in the summer months.  Prices are so much lower on organic berries (especially pick your own).  Plus everything tastes better.  My neighbor just brought over 2 freezer bags of fresh corn kernels that I can add to soups and chili this winter.  Blueberries are another great one to freeze and add to smoothies or even cereal in the winter.  It is also fun to shop seasonal in the fall and winter and get creative with root veggies! 

2. Try homemade cleaning products.  I posted an all purpose spray on the blog that you can check out.  What I love about homemade cleaning products is that they work and are made with ingredients you most likely already have in your home.  Water, vinegar and baking soda go a long way.  Vinegar and water work wonders on glass and stainless steel.  Actually, vinegar and water work on just about anything (including toilets).

3. Go glass! Switch over your plastic tupperware to glass.  This is a one time investment with huge benefits.  I love glass for food storage and you can even reheat in the oven up to 350 degrees.  One less reason to use the microwave! This Rubbermaid set is perfect and easy to store. 

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Glass Food Storage Container, 22-piece Set, Red (1865887)

Rubbermaid

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4. Buy in bulk.  I think people often have a negative connotation with purchasing in bulk but I love it.  It is so much cheaper and the product is just as good.  My favorite bulk items are organic oats, organic quinoa, whole wheat pastry flour, nuts, nut butter, and spices.  

5. Keep the EWG dirty dozen list stored on your phone.  This is a great reference when trying to figure out what to buy organic while shopping. 

6. Start a garden in the summer.  We are fortunate to have extremely generous neighbors with a green thumb.  We do have a small garden with tomatoes, lettuce and plenty of herbs,  A great way to use up your herbs is to store them in ice cube trays with olive oil.  You can add a cube to just about any dish in the winter.  I also love to make tons of pesto at the end of summer because it freezes so well.  We also planted blueberry bushes this year which has been fun for the girls. 

7. Check your personal care products.  This is something that I have learned a ton about since joining Beautycounter.  We don't think of our skin as our largest organ.  What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in it.  Start small, you are investing in yourself.  Think about the products you use every day (deodorant, shampoo, face wash, moisturizer, toothpaste, etc).  The EWG has a wonderful app called Healthy Living.  Download the app to find out the score of the products you are currently using.  You may be surprised! And don't forget about the many uses of coconut oil and olive oil on your skin. 

8. Remove shoes before entering the home.  This is such a simple task with HUGE benefits.  Our shoes carry in a ridiculous amount of bacteria that gets transferred all over your house. GROSS! 

9. Drink water.  Another no brainer!  Purchase a good quality water bottle and take it with you wherever you go.  My favorite water bottle is the S'well Bottle.  It's stainless steel and keeps water cold all day.  Water increases energy, helps with digestion, flushes out toxins, helps boost immunities, and so much more. 

10. Educate yourself.  This is something that we don't do enough of.  At least I don't.  Make sure you are reading labels when it comes to food, personal care products, clothing, cleaning products, etc.  

Bee's Wrap

If you haven't heard of Bee's Wrap, prepare to be amazed!  I read about Bee's Wrap a few months ago (I can't even remember where) and never followed up with purchasing.  I was so excited to stumble across Bee's Wrap at an amazing little store in Stowe, Vermont called the Country Store on Main.  This adorable shop recently opened and is already one of my favorites.  Perfect for unique kitchen items, gifts and local products.  I could literally spend the entire day here, there is something for everyone.  Plus, it is owned by the adorable Cristina Mink.  She and her staff make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.  Make sure to check it out when you are in Stowe!

Okay, back to Bee's Wrap.  This product is the natural alternative to plastic wrap.  I have been focused on making changes in our home to safer alternatives.  One small change I made was switching over our plastic tupperware to glass storage.  However, I often use plastic wrap to cover bowls or wrap partially used veggies and was not sure how to eliminate this.  Enter, Bee's Wrap!  This product is awesome.  Bee's Wrap is handmade in Bristol, VT by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin.  Bee's Wrap is washable, reusable, and compostable.  And the best part...it works!  It keeps food fresh and tightly wrapped.  It is also super simple to use.  You just use your fingers to mold the Bee's Wrap to your container.  The warmth and pressure from your hands creates a seal.  The wraps come in a variety of sizes to fit your need.  I purchased the 3 pack of large wraps but will definitely be adding a variety of sizes.  

To wash your Bee's Wrap, you simply use soap and water and hang to dry.  Once dry you can refold to store.  The beeswax and jojoba oil contain antibacterial qualities that help keep food fresh and allow you to reuse for about a year.  Pretty impressive, right?  

Bee's Wrap Sustainable Food Storage Assorted 3 Pack

Bee's Wrap

Safe and Simple All Purpose Cleaner

I used to be good about making my own cleaning products.  However, once I had kids and I got really lazy about.  I am now back on board with the DIY since many of the cleaning products I thought were safe have either changed formulas or new information has been discovered about certain ingredients.  I check the EWG website pretty regularly to see where certain products rank and since data is always changing I decided to go back to doing more of making my own.  I still buy certain products but I have a great all purpose cleaner recipe that can be used on most surfaces.  I mainly use it on our kitchen countertops and bathrooms.  The ingredients are simple and it smells great!  I ordered the glass cleaning bottles on amazon and they are perfect.  I love the cobalt color too! 

Ingredients for DIY All Purpose Cleaner

2 c warm water

2 Tbs distilled vinegar

1 tbs Castile soap (I use peppermint)

1 tbs baking soda

Mix ingredients together in a large measuring cup and stir to combine.  Pour into bottle and clean! I usually swirl the bottle a bit before each use to make sure ingredients are mixed.

16oz Cobalt Glass Refillable Spray Bottles with Reusable Chalk Labels (2 Pack)

Cornucopia Brands

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My Love for Wool Dryer Balls

I absolutely LOVE my wool dryer balls and highly recommend switching over.  Not only are they better for the environment, but also better for your health.   Here are my reasons for making this easy switch.

1. Dryer sheets are filled with toxic chemicals.  Wool dryer balls are 100% natural and safe.  

2. Wool dryer balls reduce drying time.  When drying a large load I use 6 dryer balls, smaller loads usually 3-4.  The dryer balls circulate and separate your clothes. 

3. You can create your own scent by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to each ball.  My personal favorite is lavender.  Just make sure to allow the oil to dry before mixing with your laundry.  

4. Wool dryer balls will save you money in the long run.  After the initial investment of about $15 you won't need to buy dryer sheets or fabric softener every again.  And your wool dryer balls will last years! 

5. Kids love them! My girls are always "helping" with the laundry and love playing with our dryer balls. 

Wool Dryer Balls - 6 Pcs - XL Size - Baby Safe & Unscented Natural Fabric Softener - 100% Organic, No-Fillers New Zealand Wool Dry Balls

Poziteev

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DIY Homemade Bug Spray

Summer has not even started,  but as we head into Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer the mosquitos are already in full effect!  Our family spends a ton of time outside as soon as daylight savings time hits.  After being cooped up most of the winter, spending time outdoors is a necessity.  And my least favorite part of summer is the BUGS!  We get eaten alive by mosquitos! I have tried a few different natural bug sprays but they are pretty expensive and not always affective. Plus once you invest in Essential Oils you will find a ton of other great uses for them. 

Check out this safe, homemade recipe for mosquito repellent.  I made enough to fill two 4oz cobalt glass spray bottles. 

*8oz Witch Hazel (I found lavender which is amazing because lavender is a bug repellent)

*2oz distilled water

*20 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

*20 drops Lemongrass essential oil

*20 drops Citronella essential oil

Mix all together and that's it! Make sure to shake bottle before each use. 

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6 New, High Quality, 4 oz Cobalt Blue Glass Bottles, with Black Fine Mist Sprayer

PSC Products

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