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Every year, my child brings home a goodie bag full of cards, candy and disposable plastic trinkets that he collectively acquires from his classroom Valentine’s Day parties.
But, while those items may bring him joy for a day or two, they eventually join the rest of his bedroom clutter, or get discarded into the trash bin several days later. Either way, most valentines that your child gets from their classmates is junk. And we are guilty of contributing as well.
But this year, join me in being more sustainable by forgoing the disposable Valentine’s Day trinkets, and opting for some memorable home-made creations with an eco-friendly twist.
That’s why I’m sharing my top 5 favorite DIY eco-friendly Valentines that you and your child can easily make, and hand out to their classmates on Valentine’s Day!
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Low-Waste Home-Made Valentines For A Sustainable Classroom Exchange
For the ultimate sustainable Valentine’s Day card, consider adding plantable paper in the shape of a heart! In her blog post, Kimberly lists step by step instructions for creating heart-shaped seed paper that make fabulous party favors for your child’s classmates. So while plastic trinkets will be tossed out after Valentine’s Day, you and your child will be proud knowing that your eco-friendly Valentines will grow into something cool!
These paper fortune cookies are a unique and memorable alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day cards that your kids will have a blast making, and their classmates will love opening! In her blog post, Jackie states that you can use any type of paper, and make these as little or as big as you’d like.
I really love the idea of giving out some cuties for Valentine’s Day—especially with a little leaf shaped message attached to it! In her blog post, Karis lists all of the necessary supplies that you’ll need, as well as a link for the free leaf printables! This is a truly cute and healthy Valentine’s Day treat, and orange peels can always be composted!
Those broken crayons you’ve been finding all over the house can finally be put to good use! In her blog post, Heather teaches you how to take broken, discarded crayons, and turn them into elegant Valentine’s Day favors for your child’s classmates. I love how cute these upcycled crayons turn out when attached with some string to card stock.
How adorable are these birdseed ornaments in the shape of a heart? These all-natural valentines are easy to make, they’re eco-friendly, and they present a learning opportunity for your child and their classmates regarding nature, and caring for animals. It’s a sweet Valentine’s Day gift for classmates that even teachers love!
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There’s a saying that children don’t always listen, but they never fail to imitate.
That’s why living a sustainable lifestyle is key to instilling an eco-conscious mindset in your children—it’s the best gift you can give them.
The holidays are approaching, and many parents are opting to shop for plastic-free Christmas gifts this year.
Whether I shop for my own two children, or someone else’s, my goal is to always purchase something that’s both sustainable as well as environmentally friendly—it doesn’t matter if it’s clothing, toys or even dinnerware.
Mostly everything these days is available in eco-friendly alternatives and the purchases are worth every penny.
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Why Are Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids A Better Buy?
Whether it’s an eco-friendly toy or sustainable clothing, eco-friendly gifts for kids are simply a healthier option for both children and the environment.
Many children’s products these days are mass produced and infused with chemicals like BPA and toxic adhesives that shouldn’t make contact with anyone’s skin—let alone babies and young children.
But when you opt for products made from natural and sustainable resources, you’re ensuring that your child’s health won’t be compromised.
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What Are Some Examples Of Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas For Babies And Toddlers?
Eco-friendly gift options for babies and toddlers can consist of anything that’s made of natural or organic material with non-toxic components and can be easily recycled or composted. They are ethically and sustainably sourced, and do not leave a negative impact on our environment.
Wooden toys, reusable diapers, plant-based dinnerware and sustainable clothing are all great examples of eco-friendly gift options for young children.
Below are our top picks for non-toxic and environmentally friendly gift ideas for babies and toddlers that will spark joy for both the one little ones and their parents!
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Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Picks For Babies And Toddlers
WOODEN MONTESSORI Style Activity Cube
This 20 in 1 Montessori style wooden activity cube by Boobo Toys is extremely well built and provides sustainable learning fun for your curious little toddler. Each component is ethically and sustainably sourced, and each purchase plants a tree! There are a ton of wooden activity cubes on the market, but not all are ethically or sustainably manufactured—that’s why the Beebo Toys activity cube is our top pick for an eco-friendly gift for toddlers.
The Rylee + Cru is a sustainable clothing brand that makes their clothing with natural cotton—perfect eco-friendly gifts for babies, toddlers and young children. We love the soft earthy-clay colors and tiny patterns that add a little charm! See more of this clothing line at The Natural Baby Co!
An indoor climbing gym is a fun and healthy way to get your little one moving and strengthening those core muscles—especially during winter. The Woodenlikes wooden climbing set comes with 3 components that can be rearranged in various ways. With rounded corners and non-toxic adhesives, this fun indoor gym is a fantastic Christmas gift for active toddlers!
This wooden Montessori scooping set by Warckon is an awesome gift for toddlers who love playing with sensory bins. It’s an eco-friendly and sustainable gift option that will assist toddlers with hands-on play as they dig and scoop!
Wagon-stroller hybrids are trending, and they’re incredibly convenient for many occasions: travel, hiking, leisurely strolls. I always see moms picking up their older children from school with the younger tots in these wagons and the little ones look like they’re having a blast! With that said, if you’re considering a tactical wagon, Veer is the best of the best when it comes to aesthetics, quality construction and storage (it folds super flat).
This adorable and eco-friendly busy board by BusssyJoy safely entertains your toddler while strengthening their gross motor skills! This Montessori style board is also completely sustainable and made from eco plywood—which is actually high quality natural wheat straw. It’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and comes in two color palettes—perfect for both genders!
The Tiny Land cotton canvas tent is a very fun and charming gift idea for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s a place where the little ones can have some quiet time and enjoy a picture book. We love that it’s a gender neutral color and comes equipped with twinkle lights and and floor mat.
Made from sustainably harvested birch wood, this toddler ride-on by Wishbone Design Studio can be converted from a gentle rocker to a ride-on toy with a simple flip! It’s perfect for babies as young as 1 all the way up to age 5–making this non-toxic toy incredibly sustainable!
Organic and non-toxic dolls make fantastic eco-friendly gifts for children—especially if it’s their first doll. Babies and toddlers are always snuggling or mouthing their favorite toy, so it’s important that their dolls are as organic as possible. The Tikiri Toys dolls are one of our favorite non-toxic doll brands, and they have many cute styles to choose from. To learn more about eco-friendly dolls, see our article here.
These cute hand-made crib shoes by Little Pitterpat make the perfect gift for first time walkers. They have durable outer soles that equip your little one with traction and stability, and come in various fun boho and earthy designs! See all of the adorable options at The Natural Baby Company!
Babies and young toddlers love playing with stacking cups—and the Toy Safari “eco” stacking cups are the perfect plastic alternative! These eco-friendly stacking cups are non-toxic and made from biodegradable wheat straw—making these an awesome sustainable gift for kids!
This baby walker by PlanToys makes a fantastic eco-friendly gift for babies and toddlers—it features a ‘click-clack’ sound when it’s pushed, and features two adorable woodpeckers whose heads move up and down with every step. This walker is also made from sustainably harvested rubberwood trees paired with surplus sawdust chips that are thermally reprocessed to form a durable wood, and finished with E-Zero non-formaldehyde glue, and non-toxic water-based dyes.
Whether they’re babies or older toddlers, this bamboo dinnerware set by Bamboo Bamboo is an awesome eco-friendly gift idea! Each component is made from sustainable bamboo and eco-friendly silicone—perfect for a baby’s sensitive gums and teeth!
These adorable wooden teethers by Walnut Tree Infant Love are made from natural and organic beechwood that’s non-toxic and fun for baby to chew on! It’s the perfect gift for parents of a teething baby that needs natural gum relief. For more information on natural baby teethers, see our article here.
Reusable cloth diapers are an awesome zero-waste alternative to single use disposable diapers. And the Grovia cloth diapers are some of the best around! It’s a great way to save money, reduce plastic waste and keep your baby’s skin healthy! You can choose from organic cotton, hemp/cotton blend and more! See all the options at The Natural Baby Co!
This 5-piece Montessori style wooden toy set by Promise Babe is made from sustainable beech wood. Every toy in this eco-friendly gift set is non-toxic and completely safe for your little one to chew on. We love all of the diverse pieces from the rattles to teethers and everything in between!
Baby play gyms are a wonderful opportunity to entertain baby while building their motor skills and strengthening their eyes muscles. But many baby gyms are made from plastic and contain hanging toys that aren’t made from eco-friendly material. Wooden playgyms like the one by Mallify are made with non-toxic wood, and contain fun wooden hanging toys suitable for chewing! It’s a sustainable gift for babies!
The Toddler’s First Coloring Book from Honeysticks is hand-made in New Zealand from 100% recycled paper and features 40 large pages with simple images to spark creativity and play. It’s a fun eco-friendly gift that your little one will love!
For little ones who love to swing, this eco-friendly wooden swing by EcoTribe makes the perfect sustainable gift! It’s made from natural birch wood and equipped with cotton rope. It can be hung in a doorway, porch, or on a tree branch when the weather is ideal! It’s super unique and a great plastic alternative when it comes to swings, and there are several animals to choose from.
Patagonia makes amazing outerwear made from recycled material that looks incredibly cute. From recycled down jackets to fleece vests, these make awesome sustainable fashion gifts for kids. See all the available styles at The Natural Baby Co.
Sea Island Imports make the coolest little stools from sustainable acacia hardwood. They have a ton of fun designs and these little chairs make awesome little “rustic” additions to your child’s playroom. These are really great to give as a sustainable gift for a young toddler as well as a preschooler.
This hand-made wicker doll pram by Cackoo is made from willow and water-based paint. It’s a charming gift for little ones who enjoy playing with dolls and have been wanting a doll stroller. We love the boho style of this doll carriage and little girls will love this as a gift!
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If you’re shopping for eco-friendly gifts for him, then you’ve come to the right place!
Christmas and other occasions that require gift giving can be pretty wasteful to begin with, so it’s important that we switch our mindset from passive to conscious when it comes to shopping.
There are plenty of really thoughtful and unique plastic-free gifts that are just as trendy, if not cooler, than conventional products. And men love cool stuff.
Are Men Interested In Sustainability?
You bet!
All men are minimalists at heart. They prefer quality over quantity and need over want, which falls perfectly in line with environmentally friendly gift options.
Eco-friendly gifts consist of items that don’t have a negative impact on our environment; they’re reusable, recyclable, compostable and non-toxic.
Sustainable gifts are also more durable and don’t need frequent replacement, which is a product quality that men really like.
Hence, I’ve put together a uniue list of hand-picked eco-friendly gifts for him that we think he’ll really love. They vary from sustainable fashion to environmentally friendly outdoor gear—a little something for everyone on your list.
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MAN GIFT BOX
Man Gift Box
For the outdoorsman who loves camping and lighting fires, the ”Man Gift Box” is full of all the eco-friendly essentials for a fun camping experience. This gift box comes equipped with an insulated tumbler, natural coffee grit soap, masculine scented candle, Rambo style knife and a fire starting survival kit. It’s a nice gift set for an outdoor enthusiast!
The man in your life can keep his feet warm and cozy this winter in some hand-knitted Marty McFly’s! Made from yarn and recyclable EVA rubber soles, these nostalgic adult booties by Seay are a rare find and make an awesome Christmas gift for the man who has everything!
If the man in your life is in need of a new phone case, consider getting him a compostable phone case by Pela! Compostable phone cases are much better for your health and the environment because they’re non-toxic and will eventually biodegrade (instead of sitting around in landfills)—making these a really cool plastic-free gift for men in need of phone accessories!
The consensus amongst many men that we interviewed (and confirmed via Reddit) is that they want HIGH QUALITY socks. And the best recommended socks based on durability and comfort are DARN TOUGH socks, which come in many styles and will last an insanely long time. It’s a Christmas gift that men will actually put to use.
If the man in your life is in need of some new shoes, consider getting him a pair of sustainable shoes from Saola! Saola shoes are made from recycled and bio-based materials and are really stylish and comfortable. These shoes make a truly awesome eco-friendly gift for men.
The 55L Carry-On Duffle by United by Blue is the perfect companion for any travel plans—even the gym! This sustainable duffle bag is made of recycled materials and features a comfortable shoulder strap plus a plethora of interior and exterior pockets. And, for every product purchased, United by Blue removes 1 pound of trash from our waterways! It’s an awesome sustainable gift for men!
Bamboo boxers are incredibly soft, durable and maintain their color through numerous washes. If the man in your life hasn’t experienced the luxury of bamboo viscose boxers yet, then he is in for a treat! These bamboo boxers by Bamboo Cool are an awesome choice when it comes to sustainable boxers and make a great eco-friendly Christmas gift!
Help the man in your life protect his contactless credit cards from electronic pickpockets with this stainless steel card holder by Steel Smart. It will last way longer than a traditional wallet and has a sleeker design for easier storage. It’s a really cool sustainable gift for men.
If the man in your life owns an Apple Watch, give him an eco-friendly upgrade with the Compostable Apple Watch Band from Pela Case! This watch band is made from Flaxstic-– an innovative material comprised of a compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials, which will biodegrade when you decide you no longer want it. It’s an awesome plastic-free gift for men!
For the man who needs a few new t-shirts in his closet, consider opting for ultra soft, sustainable and hypoallergenic tees made from organic bamboo viscose. Big Boy Bamboo is your one stop eco-friendly shop for men’s organic bamboo t-shirts at affordable prices, and carries an impressive size range for regular as well as big and tall men (up to size 8XL). These t-shirts make excellent sustainable gifts for men!
Help the man in your life minimize his dependence on single-use cutlery whenever he eats out with this best-selling reusable utensil kit by Topbooc. Reusable utensils are also incredibly handy to have when you’re traveling or dining out and it’s a must-have eco-friendly gift for men!
One of the coolest eco-friendly gifts for men are wooden fashion accessories—like bow ties. Elountik bow ties are hand-made from ethically sourced wood. They’re stylish, unique and totally biodegradable! So if you’re shopping for a bow tie enthusiast, this sustainable bow tie set is perfect!
For the bearded man in your life, this zero waste beard grooming kit by Viking Revolution comes with all-organic beard care essentials in a cool reusable metal storage tin. It’s the perfect zero waste gift for the man who prefers natural beard care.
If the man in your life needs a new lawn mower, consider an electric option that requires no gas—which means no emissions. The GreenWorks electric lawn mower is a top selling rechargeable eco-friendly mower that runs for 45 minutes (fully charged) and comes with an interchangeable lithium ion battery. It’s an awesome eco-friendly gift for men who love doing yard work.
Men who love to cook deserve a high quality cutting board—one that doesn’t dull your knife and isn’t pretreated with any toxic chemicals. The VBK extra large cutting board is made from durable and sustainable walnut wood, is pretreated with coconut oil and contains juice grooves. It’s an awesome eco-friendly gift for home cooks.
Everyone needs that special comfy top in their closet, and this comfortable hoodie by Tentree is it. This sustainable long sleeve hoodie from tentree is made from a blend of hemp and recycled polyester— and for every product sold, tentree plants 10 trees! This top makes both a stylish and environmentally friendly gift for men!
If you’re shopping for a gym enthusiast, this stainless steel protein shaker bottle will make a nice solid zero waste gift for him. The stainless steel BlenderBottle is odor and stain resistant and highly durable—so he won’t need to replace it as frequently as he does with the plastic variety (which develops an odor over time).
Women aren’t the only ones who should get cookware for Christmas—a lot of men enjoy cooking as well. And if they’re a bachelor or moving into their own place, they are definitely going to need some good quality cookware—and cast iron skillets last a long time. This cast iron skillet set by Utopia Kitchen is a great zero-waste gift for men and will last a lifetime.
Wooden sunglasses are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic frames. These polarized sunglasses by WoodOnly are made from ethically sourced walnut wood, and for every purchase, a tree is planted. These sunglasses are a fun, stylish and sustainable gift for men!
These hand-made shampoo bars by Apple Valley Natural Soap are incredibly luxurious yet have that subtle masculine scent that men enjoy. Shampoo bars are way more eco-friendly than plastic bottles, save space and are multi-functional (they can be used on your beard and body too!). The man in your life will love this zero waste gift!
The eco-conscious man in your life will love this recycled towel inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. This towel is made from recycled plastic bottles that have been transformed into a sand-resistant, slip-resistant, and pet-hair resistant fabric. It’s a really cool eco-friendly gift that keeps plastic bottles out of the landfill.
This insulated stainless steel TKPro thermos by Klean Kanteenkeeps your drinks hot for way longer than the competition. It’s the perfect zero waste gift for men who love camping, hiking or simply going on an adventure—they’re even great for work!
Electric bikes are perfect for commuters who live in a crowded metropolitan area, outdoor enthusiasts who need a little help riding up trails, and for those who simply want to get outside and ride around for fun. So for the guy who’s been hinting about wanting an e-bike, consider a top rated one like the Ecotric.
Many men practice mindfulness and enjoy meditating—but it’s not always comfortable. Sitting in an erect position for a long period of time can cause leg and back pain, but with the Alexia vegan leather meditation chair, you’ll be able to meditate comfortably. It’s a great gift for men who enjoy yoga and meditation.
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As consumers, everything we buy has an impact on both our health and the environment. That’s why the shift from passive to conscious shopping has become the new standard.
Now more than ever, people are choosing to buy eco-friendly goods over conventional items—and that’s especially true when it comes to purchasing gift items.
What Are Sustainable Gifts ?
Sustainable gifts are items (or experiences) that are made from environmentally friendly material(s) and can either be reused, recycled, composted, or kept for a lifetime. They don’t contribute to resource depletion, and they most certainly do not require the use of toxic chemicals.
What Are The Benefits Of Purchasing Sustainable Gifts?
Sustainable products are better quality, they help workers in poverty-stricken areas earn fair wages, they produce low waste when it comes to the production process and and they’re much better for your health.
So whether you’re shopping for your wife, mom, daughter, grandmother or best friend, rest assured that there are many sustainable gift options for her that are low-waste and don’t have a negative impact on our environment—especially if you pair them with zero waste gift wrapping!
Our list of eco-friendly gifts for her consists of items that are reusable, compostable, recyclable and non-toxic! From sustainable fashion to ethical beauty products, we’ve listed something special for each and every eco-conscious woman in your life!
20 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas For The Woman In Your life
Customizable Vegan Makeup
Billion Dollar Beauty
Women everywhere are ditching mainstream makeup brands and opting for Billion Dollar Beauty—a customizable vegan makeup brand that creates cruelty-free makeup and sells it in a way that minimizes waste. You simply purchase a starter box and fill it with magnetic makeup pans of your choice (eye shadows, blush, gloss). This minimizes the need to buy bulky cosmetics and saves a ton a space on your vanity.
The award-winning GreenUp subscription box is another fun and awesome zero-waste kit full of unique sustainable products. With the GreenUp box, you will get the best green, plastic-free, zero-waste, and clean products on a quarterly basis, and you can cancel anytime!
These reusable bamboo facial rounds by Eira are a great alternative to disposables. And this zero waste beauty gift set comes with a cotton mesh bag and bamboo holder for storage.
The free spirited fashionista in your life will love these boho-chíc rattan dangle earrings by Meekoo. They’re lightweight and made from sustainable rattan—a fast growing plant that needs little intervention to regrow. As a result, wicker earrings make awesome sustainable fashion gifts for women.
Every pair of of these fair-trade and vegan certified organic socks gives back to a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to do good in the world. “This set of Socks that Prevent Breast Cancer Gift Box 3pk donates $1 per pair ($3 total) to Keep A Breast and their work to educate young people on breast cancer prevention”.
This ethically made classic hemp t-shirt by ONNO is ultra soft, durable and hypoallergenic. It’s the perfect gift for women who love supporting sustainable fashion brands. There are many colors to choose from, and it makes a wonderful eco-friendly gift that she will love!
These days, boba drinks and healthy homemade protein smoothies are trending—so get the woman in your life this gorgeous glass boba tumbler with bamboo lid and reusable stainless steel straws by ZenEasy. This eco-friendly gift set also comes with a handy carrying pouch that she’ll love.
LINNÉ is an ethically crafted skincare line formulated exclusively from superlatively sourced plants and minerals. These hard-working yet gentle products effectively address a range of skin concerns, including but not limited to acne, dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity and premature aging. So if she loves good quality skincare, this brand offers many giftable starter kits in various sizes!
If she hates shaving, consider getting her a rechargeable hair epilator, like the one above by Braun (which has great reviews!) and works like waxing—without the mess. This zero-waste beauty gift is a great way to avoid buying razors and shaving cream!
Sure, you can get her one wine tumbler, or you can get her a gift set with reusable diamond shaped ice cubes, reusable straws, lids and a charming wooden storage crate by Barluxia. This eco-friendly gift for her is a hit!
For the woman who’s always out and about, consider getting her a stylish portable utensil set to help her avoid single use cutlery when she’s eating out. Topbooc stainless steel portable utensils are available in many colors and come with a stylish carrying case.
Juliet&Oliver is a full-service, ethical and eco-friendly jewelry studio which specializes in nickel free fine jewelry emanating from morally-conscious pure resourcing. In other words, this gorgeous jewelry is both hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
For the woman who has everything, why not get her a pair of sustainable shoes made from recycled and bio-based materials! Saola Shoes makes really comfortable eco-friendly shoes from recycled plastic, plant material and other unconventional material like algae. These casual shoes make awesome eco-friendly gifts for women!
When it comes to Yoga, mats made from non-toxic organic material are way better for both your health and the environment. The AJNA Eco Yoga Mat is made from organic jute and is sweat stain resistant. These yoga mats are also ethically made and each purchase plants a tree! It’s the perfect eco-friendly gift for yoga enthusiasts!
This luxuriously soft organic cotton poncho by Viverano can be worn in 5 different ways and is perfect for in-between seasons. It’s great for the home and outings and makes a fabulous sustainable fashion gift that’s both cozy and stylish.
Give the wine lover in your life a fun wine cork holder that’s shaped like a purse! This hand-made metal wine cork holder by Epic Products, Inc makes the perfect zero-waste gift because it’s stylish, and after it fills up, you can compost your corks or take them to Whole Foods, where they can be recycled.
A french press is one of the most eco-friendly ways to make coffee! They contain reusable filters and don’t need electricity to work—just add hot water. And because women love their coffee, a french press like the one above by Barista Warrior is an awesome and appreciated sustainable gift for her.
Women love unboxing assorted beauty products—especially if they’re vegan and cruelty-free. With the VeganCuts beauty subscription box, you’ll get 4+ full-size assorted vegan beauty products! And if you don’t want to commit to a long-term subscription, just do one month’s worth—which is basically a one time purchase!
The majority of hairbrushes out there are made from plastic and need to be replaced frequently. Bamboo hairbrushes like the one by Boodboo are sustainable, durable and great for the scalp. It’s a wonderful sustainable gift idea for any woman.
Purses are essential wardrobe staples, and the bigger they are, the better. Cork purses are a great buy because cork is basically vegan leather, making it extremely durable and it will last a long time. Some cork purses, like the one by Tikea, even come with fun geometric patterns—making it a fun eco-friendly gift for women.
Body lotion can be so wasteful because it’s packed in plastic, but solid moisturizing bars are a wonderful alternative. Honey House Naturals makes ultra moisturizing bees wax lotion bars infused with essential oils and butters for an all-natural and zero waste personal care experience.
Whether she’s a home chef or simply trying to minimize food waste, this cookbook by the Zero Waste Chef has all the best ways to do it! Anne-Marie Bonneau shows you how to use food scraps to create some pretty delicious meals to minimize food waste—making this book an awesome zero-waste gift!
Organic Skin Care Gift Set By Apple Valley Natural Soap
Apple Valley Natural Soap
Apple Valley Natural Soap makes the best hand-made organic skincare products—including decadent shampoo bars! Their gift boxes sell pretty quickly, so snag one today! And don’t be shy, get some shampoo bar samples for yourself while you’re there!
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One of the most used cleaning products in the home is laundry detergent—and it’s used on products that make constant contact with our skin—clothing.
For years, consumers have purchased laundry detergent based on factors like popularity, price and performance, while completely turning a blind eye to the ingredient label—until now.
With cancer and other health conditions sky rocketing in the past couple of decades, people are starting to become more aware that certain environmental factors—to include household cleaning agents—are to blame for society’s declining health and overall life expectancy.
Mainstream multi-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, scented candles, and many laundry detergents are just a small example of household items that are actually packed full of carcinogens.
But thankfully, alternatives are available for a lot of household products, and in this article, we’re going to focus on laundry detergent alternatives for a non-toxic and environmentally friendly laundry routine.
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Why Should You Switch To A Natural Laundry Detergent?
As mentioned above, mainstream laundry detergents contain ingredients that are actually harmful to our health—but how?
Well, even in the rinse cycle, detergent doesn’t entirely wash out—it lingers in the fibers. And when we sweat, our pores absorb whatever leaches out, resulting in skin conditions like rash and eczema.
That’s why it’s especially important to at least invest in non-toxic laundry detergent when it comes to your children, as well as undergarments, which are tight fitting, and can actually be the cause of your recurring BV (bacterial vaginitis) due to all the synthetic chemicals.
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How To Choose The Right Zero Waste Detergent
Choosing an all-natural, zero-waste laundry detergent can be confusing for anyone—especially because there are so many different kinds like: pods, sheets, powders, liquids and even “berries”. But, there are certain qualities to look for when shopping for eco-friendly and natural laundry detergents and those are:
Paraben Free
Pthalate Free
Phosphate Free
Bleach & Dye Free
Vegan & Cruelty Free
Recyclable & Compostable Packaging
Plastic-Free Packaging
Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist Tested
And to help make your decision easier, I’ve made a list of zero waste detergent brands that I have tried personally and found that they work very well on both stains and odor (as I’ve had the privilege to test a few out, while others I’ve purchased based on curiosity).
And for a complete zero-waste laundry routine, I recommend switching from dryer sheets to organic wool dryer balls and a Cora Microfiber Ball, which catches the microfibers that naturally shed from clothes in the wash, and end up in our waterways.
Altogether, these alternative laundry products greatly reduce your carbon footprint—because laundry is something we do often and contributes greatly to environmental pollution whether we like it or not.
EarthBreeze laundry strips are my zero waste detergent of choice. These pre-measured laundry strips are plant-based and smell absolutely fabulous. I also can’t stress enough how convenient these detergent strips are for travel, and can easily be stashed in a baby wipe box or pencil case. For my full review of EarthBreeze laundry strips, click here.
Price: $20 For 1pack of 60 Loads or $12 with subscription at EarthBreeze
If you’re someone who loves the convenience of laundry pods minus the plastic waste, then you’ll love Dropps laundry detergent pods. This low-waste laundry detergent is wrapped in biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol film and packaged in a recyclable and compostable cardboard box to minimize single-use waste.
This zero-waste laundry powder from Bestowed Essentialsis an easy swap in making your laundry routine plastic-free. Just one tablespoon of this eco-friendly detergent will get your clothing nice and clean, and you’ll feel good knowing that the detergent bag and inner liner are both compostable.
TrueEarth is another fantastic eco-friendly laundry strip brand with pre-measured laundry strips. I love that they offer several scent options including a formula made just for baby clothing, and that they use recycled material for their packaging. The downside to laundry sheets is that they can sometimes clump when used in front load washers—resulting in slight goo on your fabric. I have a top load washer and the cascading water does a great job at dissolving these.
Soap berries (better known as soap nuts) are perhaps the most natural and affordable zero-waste alternative to mainstream laundry detergents. The shells of these Indian soap berries release saponin (a natural cleaning agent) when they come in contact with water. They are also pesticide free, anti-fungal and completely compostable—making these soap ‘nuts’ a truezero waste laundry detergent alternative. The downside is that soap nuts must be used with warm or hot water to activate.
If you love soap berries, but prefer the convenience of laundry pods, then the soap berry laundry pods are a fantastic laundry detergent alternative for your household. These eco-friendly laundry pods by Nature First are produced using a proprietary natural water extraction method to pull the super-concentrated cleansing agents (saponin surfactants) to create a soap berry concentrate, and they’re packaged in a compostable bag.
The Sheets liquid free laundry sheets are slightly bigger than their laundry strip competitors and do a fantastic job when it comes to stain and odor removal. The scented variety does have a very strong scent, but once used in the wash, clothing comes out with a subtle fragrance that’s not overpowering.
Price: $15.95 For 1 Box of 50 Sheets & Save 10% With Subscription On Amazon
The Meliora Natural Powder Laundry Detergent is made with highly concentrated, all natural ingredients like baking soda, pH boosting washing soda, and skin softening coconut oil, which easily removes stains. This non-toxic laundry powder is packed in a recyclable and reusable stainless steel canister, and the brand donates 2% of all sales to environmental non-profit organizations.
Price: $17.99 for 1 Can of 64 standard loads at EarthHero
If you prefer to stick with a liquid detergent, then Grove Collaborative is one of the best go-to brands for an all-natural liquid detergent—and their’s is ultra concentrated. What I love about Grove Collaborative is that is that they will send you a prepaid envelope so that you can mail them your empty detergent pouch and they will recycle it through Terra Cycle. The only downside to this non-toxic liquid detergent is that you have to buy a separate bottle to store and measure the contents.
Price: 9.95 For 1 (24oz) pouch (33 loads) of laundry & 17.95 For Dispenser
The Lazy Coconuts eco-friendly laundry strips are yet another one of my favorite zero-waste laundry strips that are made with plant-based ingredients and come in recyclable packaging. I also love that they have a “gentle” formula for baby’s sensitive skin.
Price: $14.95 for (1) pack of 48 loads or save 5% with subscription
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If you’re on the search for an eco-friendly gift, you’re not alone! When it comes to gift giving, many people are opting for sustainable products that are nontoxic and earth-friendly, especially for the home.
Each year, more and more people are becoming conscious consumers who no longer want to fill their home with single-use plastic “junk”.
As a result, many areas of the home have been getting “green” makeovers—particularly bathrooms and kitchens, which tend to produce the most waste.
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That’s why when it comes to gifts, I love shopping for eco-friendly items that will help make a person’s home more sustainable—weather they live an eco-conscious lifestyle or not.
The kitchen in particular is one of my favorite areas of the home to shop for when it comes to sustainable kitchenware. Items made from ceramic, wood, silicone, stainless steel and recycled aluminum are just so much healthier and visually more appealing than stuff made from plastic. They’re more durable and last longer too.
Below you’ll find some pretty cool sustainable kitchen and cookware products! These eco-friendly and sustainable kitchenware items make perfect gifts for any occasion and some are inspired from cultures outside of the U.S.!
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Organic Cotton Plant Dyed Apron
Full Circle Home
The Kind collection apron from Full Circle Home is made from organic cotton and plant-based dyes. It’s durable, functional, and best of all, stylish and environmentally friendly.
Bamboo towels are 4 times more absorbent than cotton, and much more durable. These bamboo dish clothes come in a pack of 8 and come in compostable cardboard packaging.
Glass canisters are a great zero waste alternative to plastic Tupperware and look very elegant when displayed on a counter top. Each of these canisters contain an airtight bamboo lid, and come in a pack of 5 in various sizes.
This ceramic condiment bowl set is perfect for the kitchen table, kitchen countertop or coffee table—and especially perfect for occasions where you’re entertaining guests. Each ceramic bowl is suitable for spices, powdered creamer, sugar and more!
This minimalistic yet elegant 17 piece bamboo fiber dinnerware set is the perfect eco-friendly gift for the kitchen! It especially makes a wonderful housewarming and wedding gift for eco conscious couples who prefer simple and natural kitchenware.
Popular in juice markets all over Mexico, the Handmade Artisan Citrus Juicer from Verve Culture is a countertop citrus juicer that’s hand-made from 100% recycled aluminum and provides a traditional citrus juicing experience!
Every sustainable kitchen needs a small compost bin for food scraps! Compost isn’t just for gardens—it can be used as rich nutritious food for houseplants! This modern compost bin by BelleMark is perfect for kitchens of any size and looks great!
These large hand-made sink bars by Apple Valley Natural Soap are hand-made with natural and organic ingredients and are excellent zero-waste alternatives to liquid soap! They’re made with moisturizing cocoa butter and look fabulous on your kitchen sink!
These bamboo dish brushes by TresStones are made from renewable bamboo and coconut fibers. They’re also more durable than sponges, safer, healthier and environmental friendly—they won’t take hundreds of years to biodegrade. This brush set makes a perfect sustainable gift for any kitchen!
Decorate, organize, and beautifully display your cooking utensils in this ceramic kitchen utensil crock that adds a touch of French Country flare to any kitchen. The rustic look and porcelain-like finish on the ceramic container gives this stoneware utensil caddy a vintage charm that will look lovely on your countertop!
Serve up a more sustainable meal with the eco-friendly 3-Sided Acacia Wood Salad Bowl Serving Set from Pacific Merchants Trading Company! Handcrafted from one solid piece of 100% naturally renewable acacia wood that is sustainably harvested with low-impact foresting practices and minimal chemicals or waste.
Beeswax food wraps make wonderful eco-friendly gifts for the kitchen because they replace items like plastic lids and Saran Wrap. They’re even incredibly handy for keeping items fresh (like cheese) and make awesome lunchbox essentials for items like sandwiches.
The molinillo is a Mexican wooden whisk that’s used to mix up and add froth to a batch of Mexican hot chocolate. You simply roll the shaft between your palms to churn, mix, and foam the chocolate. The molinillo is also great for muddling fruits and herbs in your cocktails!
This gorgeous and exotic 6-piece Pakkawood cooking utensil set is nonstick and heat resistant. Pakkawood is crafted from many layers of beautiful hardwoods, and infused with natural and chemical-free dyes. They’re biodegradable and add some fun to the kitchen!
This Moroccan style cooking vessel from Verve Culture is both a cooking tool, and a serving dish – and is handmade from clay formed from the rich, red Moroccan soil of Wadi Lan, and then decorated with a lead-free glaze. Use it to caramelize food, or keep food warmer longer when serving!
This eco-friendly vintage themed ceramic cookware set is in the shape of mason jars. This set includes all of your most critical cooking tools, together and in one place: 4 measuring spoons, 4 measuring cups and a spoon holder.
Made from 450 chopsticks, this unique and versatile kitchen board will fulfill any of your food presentation needs. The recycled bamboo chopsticks that were used to make this charcuterie board create a sleek caramelized brown tone with a natural one-of-a-kind look.
This wooden salt and pepper grinder set comes with 2 grinders, a box with swivel lid, spoon and cleaning brush. This set fits in with any decor and looks fabulous on any kitchen or dining room table!
Ceramic pie pans make beautiful eco-friendly bakeware gifts for those who love to bake! These nontoxic ceramic pie pans by Avla are made from glazed ceramic material and resist staining, odors and cracking.
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I read somewhere today that around 10 million pregnancy tests are purchased in the U.S. each year; and I realized that years ago, I contributed to that statistic with my own pregnancy journeys.
Don’t get me wrong, at-home pregnancy tests are great because whether you’re trying to conceive (TTC) or anxiously waiting to be reassured that you’re not pregnant, you get to do it conveniently, and in the privacy of your own home. You’re in complete control of the situation.
But still, 10 million single-use pregnancy tests making their way to the landfill each year is pretty alarming. And it tells us that the diagnostics industry hasn’t taken any steps to minimize plastic pollution on their part—until recently.
Biodegradable pregnancy tests are starting to make an appearance, and it’s about time.
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Pregnancy tests have desperately needed a makeover to reduce plastic waste, and one such eco-friendly pregnancy test is called SolCraft, which is made from recycled and recyclable packaging and is currently 90 percent biodegradable. The company states that they are working on becoming 100 percent biodegradable in the future.
The SolCraft pregnancy test is over 99.9% accurate with easy to read results and costs about the same as the big name brands: Clear Blue and First Response—only, it’s way more environmentally friendly.
The brand also makes biodegradable ovulation tests that come in a pack of 2—which is yet another diagnostic test that many women rely on when it comes to getting pregnant.
SolCraft Pregnancy Test
Hopefully more companies within the diagnostics industry join the bandwagon and create plastic alternatives that are more environmentally friendly.
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Recycling is an important discussion topic because we are all doing it wrong.
There are certain items that we place into the recycling cart that are actually causing costly shut downs at recycling facilities all across the country because they jam machinery and even cause fires.
Hence, it’s crucial to take a few minutes out of your day and read up on your community recycling guidelines. Some recycling bins themselves even have a list of what you can or cannot recycle written right on them.
Recycling is a community effort. Yes, we pay to have our trash recycled, but we do it to help our environment—to keep unnecessary items from ending up in the landfill.
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Below are our tips on how to prepare for the recycling process as well as what you should and shouldn’t throw into the recycling bins to help the facility workers out.
We also encourage you to read your county’s rules and guidelines because they may be slightly different from this list. For example, in my county, they are currently not accepting glass containers—so it’s important to go on your local waste management website and double check their list of accepted recyclable products.
Before you Recycle:
Rinse food residue off of all recyclable items.
Crush recyclables like bottles, plastic jugs, and cans.
Flatten all cardboard boxes.
Remove metal components from plastic items.
Leave bottle caps and lids on your items.
Make sure that paper is dry.
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Do Not Bag Your Recyclables!
And Lastly, even though we all hate to see debris flying out onto the road, please place recyclable items loosely in your recycling bin. Bagging isn’t necessary, and it slows up workers’ abilities at the recycling center—bags will even jam machinery.
What You Should Recycle
Plastic water & soda bottles, dish soap bottles, shampoo bottles, laundry detergent jugs and some cleaning product containers that are recyclable (rinse out and leave the caps on).
Flattened cardboard boxes, cereal and food boxes, shoe boxes, beer boxes, milk and juice cartons, toilet paper rolls, and paper towel rolls.
Clean aluminum foil, aluminum cans, tin cans, steel cans and aluminum, tin or steel food pans that are not coated.
Paper bags, junk mail, catalogs, paperback books, office paper, magazines, envelopes, telephone books and newspapers.
Glass bottles and jars (lids too!)
What You Should Not Recycle
Plastic Bags (they jam the processing equipment).
Plastic Straws (too lightweight and fail to get sorted).
Shredded Paper (too tiny to pass through sorting—it’s a nightmare for facility workers).
Clamshell Fruit Containers (they melt differently and turn into ash that contaminates other good recyclable plastic).
Cardboard With Grease Stains (like pizza boxes) or Moving Boxes With Oil Stains.
Oven Cookware (because some contain a coating).
Scrap Metal (they might oil residue or contain asbestos).
Drinking Glasses (they have a different composition and melting point compared to container glass).
Ceramics (they can’t be melted down).
Paper Towels (the fibers are too short to be recycled and contain dirt, cleaning chemicals and more unsanitary items).
Prescription Bottles (these are indeed recyclable, but recycling facilities can’t process these due to their size—they’re too small to get picked up by the sorting process on the conveyor belt).
Hangers (they jam machinery—just donate them to Goodwill or another thrift store of your choice).
Christmas Lights (too many different components).
Clothing (clogs the machinery—donate to goodwill or place them into the regular trash bin).
Batteries (when compressed by the collection truck or at the recycling facility, they can spark and cause a fire).
All Electronics like computers, printers, phones, radios, remote controls, etc. (they contain toxic materials like mercury, lead and other products that are harmful to the environment—even in the landfill).
Aerosol Cans (though the containers are metal, the pressurized contents can cause damage at the recycling facility).
Treated Wood (finished or painted wood cannot be burned and can also contaminate water).
Mirrors (they contain a reflective coating that simply can’t be recycled).
Pet Food Bags (they contain plastic layers to keep the food fresh).
Styrofoam (it’s 95% air, hard to clean because it’s porous and it would jam machinery).
Ice Cream Cartons (they contain a plastic lining to keep liquid in place if melted).
Yard Waste (you simply can’t recycle grass, leaves or other even garden hoses).
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School bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They’re an essential school supply that your child will utilize on a daily basis—so it’s important to get a good quality brand that can withstand heavy hauls and take on unexpected weather.
I personally like to put a lot of thought into buying a backpack because I want to set my child up for success. I know that a lot of parents choose whatever is on sale at Walmart, but those backpacks aren’t ethical, sustainable and certainly not durable—which is an important quality because I like to donate to local families in need when my kids outgrow their bags.
Eco-friendly backpacks are something that parents should definitely consider. Sustainable school bags are better for the environment—and some brands support environmental initiatives through each sale.
The eco-friendly school bags in this article are made from sustainable material such as recycled polyester and organic fabrics that are free of lead, BPA, PVC and phthalates.
These nontoxic grade school bags are also really stylish, which is an important quality that many kids seek when it comes to choosing a backpack.
JanSport
JanSport
The sustainable Superbreak backpack from JanSport is made from 100% recycled materials—like recycled polyester and nylon. These bags are also manufactured in a facility that’s powered entirely by solar energy. We love that this eco-friendly backpack is made without foam which makes it completely packable and spacious. With that said, it’s great for school as well as travel.
Believe it or not, the LEGO brand makes eco-friendly children’s backpacks made from rPET fabric from post-consumer water bottles, which requires 50% less energy and 20% less water to create–and generates 60% less air pollution! Also, the materials used to create these school bags are free of PVC, lead and phthalates. We love the fun LEGO prints and aesthetics of each bag, as well as the features which consist of ergonomically padded shoulder straps, sternum straps and padded haul handles.
The eco-friendly SoYoung backpacks are made from raw linen and are free of BPA, PVC, lead and phthalates. These school bags come in both toddler and big kid size, and are machine washable. We love the school age appropriate designs of these bags—particularly the soft pastel artwork which stands out beautifully against the beige fabric on each bag—as well as the roomy mesh side pockets that securely hug your child’s water bottle.
Aside from being a fashion must-have in all middle schools throughout the country, the Fjallraven Kanken backpack is entirely eco-friendly—from the nontoxic dyes and sustainable materials that used to construct it, to the manufacturing process. The school bags come in all different shapes and sizes, and are made from recycled polyester and organic cotton.
This eco-friendly school bag by Terra Thread is made from 100% GOTS Certified heavy-weight organic cotton. It has a generous amount of space and two side pockets for water bottles. Terra Thread is a carbon-neutral and Certified B Corp company that’s committed to giving back! Each purchase donates meals to kids and families in need through Feeding America. This bag donates 20 meals!
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By now you’ve most likely heard of fast fashion. It’s cheap, it’s mass-produced, and it’s loaded with unhealthy chemicals. The same goes with furniture.
New furniture tends to off-gas unhealthy fumes which fill the air and dust particles within your home. That’s why the inside of our homes are actually more polluted than the outside.
To make your home (and particularly your child’s bedroom more healthy) it’s best to purchase eco-friendly furniture made with non-toxic materials.
Hence, if you’re shopping for a bunk bed, sustainable brands are the best choice, and many of them are responsibly sourced solid wood with non-toxic finish.
The Benefits Of Solid Wood Bunk Beds
Solid Wood Is Sturdier & Safer
When it comes to choosing a frame, you should definitely go for solid wood. That’s because solid wood bunk beds are sustainable and sturdy, won’t wobble like some metal frames can, and will withstand the test of time.
Wooden bunk beds are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye and make a room look more inviting as opposed to a bed with a metal frame. That’s why wooden bed frames are better suited for young children who naturally don’t care so much about “contemporary” aesthetics.
Bunk Beds Are Convenient For Visiting Guests
Bunk beds are perfect for when you’re hosting a sleepover or need someplace for a visiting family member to sleep for a couple of days! That’s because most bunk beds have an extra ‘pull-out’ bed that you can store underneath the bottom bunk. It’s an incredibly convenient feature.
No Need For A Box Spring Mattress
A bunk bed doesn’t require a box spring mattress because a box spring is far too bulky for a bunk bed frame and can actually be dangerous. So you’re actually saving money by not having to buy a box spring—which is way more expensive than a regular mattress. And if you’d like a recommendation for an organic mattress, check out our article on the best organic mattress brand!
Bunk Beds Save Space
You could have two separate beds in your children’s room, but that takes up a lot of space that could otherwise be useful for more activities! Some bunk beds even come with storage shelves which help keep a room clutter free.
Bunk Beds Are Great For Creative Play
Bed beds are great for creative play, especially since some come with additional features—like a slide, a cabin-style design and staircase. All of these features are practical, functional, and best all, fun! Your child can sleep at night and pretend play during the day.
Below are several non-toxic bunk bed brands made from sustainably sourced solid wood and safe finish. These bunks are a healthy choice to have in your child’s bedroom, and although all meet or exceed safety standards, a few are also Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that they’ve been tested for over 10,000 volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.
Best Eco-Friendly Bunk Bed Brands For Children
Max & Lily
Max & Lily
Material | New Zealand Pine
Weight Capacity | 400 Pounds
The Max & Lily twin over twin bunk bed is made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood. This bunk bed is unique because it’s low to the ground, making it ideal for low-ceiling bedrooms and younger children. This bed can hold 400 pounds, and the frame is durable, non-toxic, and has a low VOC finish.
The unique Perch bunk bed by Oeuf is compact by design and is Greenguard Gold certified. It’s made of FSC Certified Baltic birch plywood and low emission E1 certified MDF. The finishes are non-toxic, water-based, and VOC health hazard-free.
The Perch Bunk Bed can be separated into a loft bed and a standalone twin for new room configurations as your child grows and changes. It has a weight limit of 250 pounds, and ships in recycled packaging.
Material | Spruce wood, CARB II TSCA compliant MDF, CARB II TSCA compliant plywood and rubber wood
Weight Capacity | 250 Pounds
Babyletto TipToe Bunk Bed in White and Washed Natural fits a standard twin-size bed mattress and converts into two individual twin size beds. It’s Greenguard Gold certified and made with eco-friendly non-toxic materials. The rounded edges make for safe fun, and the ladder can be placed on either side.
The Ti Amo Adirondack Cabin bunk bed is made from a combination of solid and engineered wood. It is a skillfully crafted bunk bed that combines a sleek, contemporary design with a creative and inspiring space for your kiddos. The weight capacity for this Montessori style bunk bed is 225lbs for the top bunk and 350lbs for the bottom bunk.
The Walker Edison Della is a classic twin over twin bunk bed made from responsibly sourced pine wood. It can hold 250 pounds on both top and bottom bunk and can be converted to two single twin beds. This bunk is great for small bedrooms, and has a minimalist style that parents like.
The EcoFlex full on full bunk bed is great for kids for want a little more space, and includes a trundle. The frame is made from verifiably sustainable wood and can hold up to 650 pounds. Parents love the easy assembly and Pottery Barn quality at 1/4th the cost!
This minimalist style teepee and trundle bed by Ti Amo is perfect for younger children who are afraid of heights. It’s also great for little outdoor enthusiasts who love camping under the stars, without the inconvenience of mud, bad weather or wild animal encounters. The weight capacity for this minimalist gem is 225lbs for the top bunk and 350lbs for the bottom bunk.
Eco Mom Diaries 