Imagine taking a beach vacation somewhere. Mmmm, nice. Now imagine having the peace of mind that your accommodations are not only designed with eco-awareness, but also designed to vastly decrease your exposure to the chemicals and toxins typically found in furniture, flooring, paint, water, linens etc. which is especially ideal for people who suffer from chemical sensitivities. At CleanStay Non-Toxic Vacation Rentals on Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, you don’t need to use your imagination — all of the beds and furniture have been treated and off gassed to protect you from harmful chemicals and formaldehyde, all quilts, blankets, linens, and towels are 100% cotton and all cookware is safe and non-leaching. Other eco and health friendly features include:

• Tile & Hardwood Throughout
• Whole House H20 Filtration System
• Air Filtration System
• Non-Toxic Water Based VOC Free Paint & Sealers
• Grocery store nearby with organic & gluten-free products

Additionally, guests are asked to please refrain from the use of tobacco, toxic fragrances, chemicals or harmful cleaning products while at CleanStay. Now, we haven’t actually patronized CleanStay but we still think it sounds pretty awesome, especially for folks who really need to stay away from nasty chemicals and of course, we’d totally love to visit for purposes of, you know, doing an in-depth review. Subtle, aren’t I?  ;)

Find It Here: CleanStay Non-Toxic Vacation Rentals

By Izzy, September 19, 2008  
Filed under: Gluten-Free, Travel

While we’re not normally fans of vinyl for new products, we are in favor of re-using the vinyl that already exists because it does not break down in landfills and thus, it might as well be used again for things that need to be tough and waterproof (obviously not baby/kids products!). What better way to display your fabulous “reduce, re-use and recycle” lifestyle than with a purse, tote or bag made from recycled vinyl billboards? In 2002, the Vy&Elle company (a play on word on ‘vinyl’) started designing and creating women and men’s accessories that were practical works of art. To date, Vy&Elle have reused over 100 tons of billboard vinyl and their manufacturing process includes 100% recycling of all scrap and waste materials, which are turned into garden hoses and flooring by other manufacturers so every bit of those billboards is reused and lives another life as something else — which means LESS NEW VINYL being produced! Of course, we look forward to the day that vinyl is no longer made at all but until then, we think Vy&Elle products are not only good-looking but also gorgeously green!

Find It Here: Vy&Elle

By Sarah, June 7, 2008  
Filed under: Recycle, Reduce/Reuse, Style, Travel, Wear

No, I’m not talking about beer. Around here BYOB means “Bring Your Own Bag.” With all the bazillions of non-biodegradable plastic bags clogging our landfills, bringing your own bag to the store is one way you can help reduce waste and use of toxic petrochemicals. And now you can do it in style with these bags from Skeeda. Created by a trio of sisters from New York, these large reusable shopping bags are so cute, you’ll want to bring them everywhere! Made in a variety of chic designs, the bags are machine washable, lightweight, and totally, undeniably, hip. Made in the U.S.A of 100% cotton canvas material.

Find It Here: Skeeda

Deal: Enter code “GREENMOM” at checkout for $5 off an order of two or more bags. Coupon code is good through 2/25.

Congratulations, Shama-lama Mama, participant in the Eco Moms ACT Eliminate Plastic Bags Challenge for February and random-draw winner of a Skeeda bag!

By Cristina, February 11, 2008  
Filed under: Reduce/Reuse, Travel, Win

Just because we’re green doesn’t necessarily mean we all want to carry the same reusable bags, right? Of course not. So for those of you who want a little more edge with your eco-consciousness, Get Hip Get Green brings to the masses this cool and totally NOT girly-mannish reusable black bag with a green skull emblazoned upon it. Unique design aside, there are some other reasons to love Get Hip Get Green’s bags — they’re made from 100% recycled plastic and for each bag sold, Get Hip Get Green will make a donation to the children’s environmental group “The Green Ambassadors.” Very cool, indeed.

Find it Here: Greenloop

Congratulations Stephanie, Monet and Steph, participants in the Eco Moms ACT Eliminate Plastic Bags Challenge for February and random-draw winners of a Greenloop bag!

Win It Again: You will also be entered to win three Greenloop bags (various styles, all hip and reusable of course!), as well as a bunch of other fab prizes, just by subscribing to our newsletter this month!

By Izzy, February 7, 2008  
Filed under: Reduce/Reuse, Style, Travel, Win