Tag Archives: ecofriendly

Eco Friendly Product Guide, Sustainable Parenting

Best Sustainable Homework Desks For Kids

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The Best Children’s Desks For Home Study

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If you want to give your kids the best advantage when it comes to academic learning, a good quality homework desk is a great investment to help a child excel.

Homework desks aren’t just for homeschooled children who participate in remote learning, they’re also a wonderful workspace for children who go to school and return home with homework assignments.

What To Look For In A Homework Desk

Finding an age appropriate desk is important because you want your child to be seated comfortably and have their supplies within arm’s reach. The recommended homework desks in this article are perfectly suited for children ages 5-12.

It’s up to you on whether you would like to purchase a desk made of wood, metal or hard plastic, but we recommend a homework desk made out of wood. Wooden desks are more sustainable, durable, less wobbly and more inviting.

All of the recommended homework desks in this article are made of different types of wood—from bamboo to engineered wood (which is eco-friendly because engineered wood utilizes less tree material per plank).

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Benefits of Homework Desks:

Promotes Concentration

Homework desks are a personal safe space that allow your child to concentrate and focus on their learning. Kids need a distraction free workspace that will help them retain what they’re learning.

Teaches Organization

Most homework desks come equipped with open and closed storage features which help your child learn to organize their learning material. It’s a great way to store writing material, books, and even a laptop while having it within arm’s reach yet out of the way to prevent clutter.

Provides Structure

Kids (and students) do best when they have structure, and a homework desk provides them with a familiar study space that belongs to them. Instead of bouncing around from doing written work at the kitchen table and reading a chapter book on the couch, a child can focus on those tasks in one area—their desk.

If a homework desk sounds good right about now and you’d like to get one for your child, then check out our 10 recommendations below!

KidKraft

KidKraft

KidKraft homework desks are especially great for children as young as 5 because they’re so low to the ground and have perfect sized chairs for little bodies. This particular homework desk is one of their best models and contains a nice amount of shelving and storage.

GuideCraft

GuideCraft

GuideCraft creates really lovely homework desks in multiple colors. And we really love the multiple storage compartments that this desk has to offer—perfect for separating homework assignments.

Melissa And Doug

Melissa & Doug

Melissa and Doug is household name for many families who have purchased the brand’s wooden toys throughout the years. This homework desk contains storage space for all of your child’s homework essentials and is great for small spaces.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

The Martha Stewart brand creates really lovely and durable furniture—and this homework desk is no different. It contains nice shelving and storage space for your child’s supplies and still has plenty of room for a laptop.

Lipper International

Lipper International

This homework desk by Lipper International is great for when you have more than one child. It has storage space all around and comes with two chairs. It’s also nice spacious up top which is perfect for puzzle building, arts and crafts and board games.

Unicoo

Unicoo

This sturdy homework desk by Unicoo is made from sustainable bamboo and contains a nice amount of shelving. It’s a great fit for any space in the home and perfect for either gender.

PrePac

PrePac

If space is lacking, then consider this floating homework desk by PrePac. It has a good amount of storage shelving and looks functional in any room of the house. The only con to this floating desk is that it does not come with a chair like other homework desks do.

eco-friendly toys, Sustainable Parenting

Best Eco-Friendly Pretend Play Toys

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Sustainable And Non-Toxic Wooden Toys For Fun And Healthy Pretend Play

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Pretend play is crucial to a young child’s development because it helps them practice emotional and social roles that they’ll have to put to use in real life; imaginative play is also a great way for children to learn problem solving skills.

Pretend play toys are basically toys that aid imaginative scenarios, which your child acts out. Some examples are pretending to be a chef and cooking with a pretend stove, or fixing a toy car using pretend play tools and workbench.

While there are many fun pretend play toys on the market, many of them are plastic, and made with toxic paint and adhesives.

Plastic toys will also never biodegrade. That’s why wooden pretend play toys are a better, more environmentally friendly choice when shopping for your child.


All of the toys in this article are sustainable, made from ethically sourced material, made with nontoxic paint and adhesives and are shipped in compostable packaging.


The brand PlanToys, for example, are made from “sustainably harvested rubberwood trees that can no longer produce latex 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”—PlanToys

EverEarth is another brand showcased in this article that use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to create their toys—like beechwood.

Below you’ll find a few amazing pretend play toys by these eco-friendly brands that are not only non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable, but made with exquisite details that kids will love and appreciate.

Pretend Play Waffle Set

Plantoys

This fun and sustainable Pretend Play Waffle Set from PlanToys is sure to bring on the smiles. The set includes a wooden waffle, fruit slices, syrup, and a pretend play waffle iron. 

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Pretend Play Vet Set

Plantoys

Have an animal lover in the family? Encourage them to share their love of animals with PlanToys’ Pretend Play Kids Vet Set! With medical equipment like a vaccine bottle, bandage, collar, and 2 x-ray films – that all fit into a teal vet bag – this pretend play set is perfect for encouraging empathy in your little one!

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Multi-Use Kid’s Play Center

Plantoys

Puppet show? Lemonade stand? Pop-up kitchen? Wherever your little one’s imagination takes them, this Multi-Use Kids Play Center from PlanToys will support it! It comes equipped with everything your kiddo might need; fabric curtains, chalkboards, storage space, and even a pretend stovetop. 

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Pretend Play Dentist Kit

Plantoys

Make trips to the dentist a little easier by making your little one a dentist with PlanToys’ Pretend Play Kids Dentist Kit! This non-toxic, responsibly sourced wooden kit contains all the essentials to teach your kid about the importance of dental care – like a toothbrush, dental tools, and tool belt.

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Pretend Play Fire Station Set

Hape

Your little one will have an awesome time using their imagination with this wooden Pretend Play Fire Station Set by Hape! This wooden pretend play set even comes with a firetruck and helicopter for fun pretend play rescues!

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Pretend Play Refrigerator

Plantoys

Complete the play room’s kitchen with the Pretend Play Refrigerator by Plan Toys! Featuring freezer and fridge areas and an adorable faux ice maker, this piece encourages imagination and doubles as extra storage for toys and games.

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Carpenter Play Set

EverEarth

With the Carpenter’s Playset from EverEarth, kiddos will have everything they need to lose themselves in imaginative crafting! Complete with a variety of fun tools and accessories, this playset features everything a little woodworker could hope for. Plus, it’s made exclusively from FSC Certified Beechwood!

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Pretend Play Stove

Plantoys

Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the Pretend Play Kitchen Stove by PlanToys! Your mini-chef will enjoy using both the stovetop and oven for any and all pretend food creations. 

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Pretend Play Shopping Cart

Plantoys

Take playtime anywhere with the Pretend Play Shopping Cart from PlanToys! With reinforced rubber wheels paired with a large roomy compartment that can transport and store tons of toys, this wooden shopping cart is fun to push around and play with. 

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Pretend Play Microwave

Plantoys

Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the eco-friendly PlanToys Pretend Play Microwave! Featuring realistic knobs and a swinging door, this toy is perfect for mini chefs in the making!

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Pretend Play Carpenters Work Bench

EverEarth

Pretend play has never been so fun! Encourage your little one to get crafty with the Kids Play Workbench from EverEarth. Complete with a workstation, level, saw, wrench, and other play tools, you’ll have a little handy man (or woman) on your hands in no time!

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Pretend Play Kitchen Sink

Plantoys

Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the PlanToys Pretend Play Microwave! Featuring realistic knobs and a swinging door, this toy is perfect for mini chefs in the making!

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Sustainable Living

5 Tips For Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping

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A Guide To Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping In A Plastic-Filled World

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If you’re like me, then lately you’ve been wanting to become a more mindful consumer when it comes to grocery shopping. And it’s absolutely doable for anyone.

One thing that I won’t give advice on within this article is how much food you should buy. And that’s because I don’t know the size of your household or whether or not you have kids. And that’s because it seems like many articles that I come across always seem to say: “if you want to be an eco conscious consumer, you need to buy less food”.

Well, it may work for the author because they don’t have kids to feed, but in my case, I do—therefore I must buy quite a bit of food (luckily my kids are like vacuums and eat everything).

I will however, give 5 great tips on how to buy your groceries in a more eco-friendly manner. These tips involve plastic swaps that are very easy to make—even at the deli counter.

Bring Reusable Shopping Bags

Even on my biggest grocery hauls I still bring my reusable grocery bags with me, even if they’re an inconvenience to the cashier, bagger, and the massive line behind me.

That’s because in-store plastic bags are neatly hung and ready to go. Places like Walmart, for example, have those carousel things for plastic bags which helps cashiers bag more efficiently.

When you give them reusable grocery bags, it disrupts the process. A Walmart employee told me that it actually does inconvenience her when she is given reusable bags. At least she was honest. But hey, we’re trying to avoid plastic, so deal with it.

If you need recommendations for some great reusable shopping bags, check out my list of best reusable grocery bags of 2021.

Use Reusable Produce Bags

A lot of grocery stores have incorporated “biodegradable” produce bags. But just how “biodegradable” are they? How fast can they break down in a land fill? Sadly, not fast enough.

Unless a biodegradable plastic bag is buried in a microbe rich environment—in other words, unless you take the time to compost it properly—these biodegradable bags that stores put out for you in the produce section will be around for months, if not years in a landfill.

That’s why it’s a very good idea to purchase a few reusable mesh produce bags. They’re eco-friendly, zero-waste and sustainable. And you can find some really great reusable produce bags made from organic material like hemp or organic cotton. Plus, just like reusable shopping bags, you can sanitize them with a wash.

Earth Hero

Earth Hero carries an awesome grocer kit, which consists of a grocery tote and 3 mesh produce bags made from cotton and other recycled materials to help you shop in a more eco-friendly manner.

Bring A Silicone Container To The Deli Counter

This may sound a little unorthodox when it comes to purchasing sandwhich meat at the deli counter, but I have started taking my Stasher bags to the grocery store with me and I successfully avoid having my deli meat packaged in plastic.

Personally, I love ordering deli meat in lieu of packaged sandwhich meat that sits on the shelf next to the hot dogs. It just tastes fresher, my kids enjoy it, and I don’t have to buy it in a plastic container.

Stasher

A while ago, I bought some of those silicone Stasher bags you’ve probably seen all over the Internet, and I figured that I can take it with me, to the store, have the deli guy weigh the meat, and then just stick it in the Stasher with the price sticker on top. And yea, they’re perfectly fine with it.

Buy Reusable Bread Bags For Bakery Bread

Even in the bakery section, a majority of grocery stores still make you put baguettes into plastic bags—which can be avoided. So, if if you’re someone who loves their bread, then consider bringing your own reusable bread bags to the grocery store with you.

Augshy

Reusable bread bags have become very popular in the last couple of years. They’re great for grocery trips, and excellent for bread storage at home. Some sets even come with reusable wine bags as well.

Opt For Products In Sustainable Packaging

I have kids, so believe me, I KNOW the struggle of buying anything that doesn’t come in plastic containers when it comes to food. Yogurt is probably the toughest one. With that said, some things you just can’t go plastic-free on. But, when I can, I do buy items that are packaged in boxes or glass as opposed to plastic.

For example, instead of buying my kids the ready made jell-o in the refrigerated section (which are packaged in plastic), I opt for the powder mix that’s sold in cardboard boxes, and just make it by hand at home. Afterwards, I dump the cardboard in the recycling bin. Small swaps like that can really make a difference.

Clean home, Eco Friendly Product Guide, Sustainable Living

Best Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture Finds

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Non-Toxic Outdoor Furniture For The Eco-Friendly Outdoor Space Of Your Dreams

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Everybody wants to create the outdoor space of their dreams. Afterall, to some people, a yard is an oasis—their sanctuary and go to place to unwind, relax and take in the fresh air.

The backyard is also a space where one can entertain guests. So it’s understandable that most people want it to look stylish, functional and sustainable. Luckily, many outdoor patio sets are eco-friendly and made from ethically sourced material like bamboo, rattan and acacia wood.


Bamboo, rattan and acacia wood grow incredibly fast, don’t need fertilizer, don’t need a lot of water and rarely need pesticides. This means you’re buying environmentally friendly outdoor furniture as well nontoxic outdoor furniture.

Below are a few sustainable pieces of outdoor patio sets and furniture that are stylish, functional, and durable. They’ll definitely inspire you to work on that perfect outdoor space you’ve always wanted!

Best Sustainable Outdoor Furniture Brands

ZEW Bamboo Round Day Bed

ZEW

This luxurious sustainable outdoor daybed by ZEW looks fantastic on your patio or next to the pool. It’s made from 100% bamboo and rattan, and can withstand rain and other elements year round. It also comes with 4 square waterproof pillows.

Joanna Wicker Basket Chair

GDF

This extremely comfortable looking standing basket chair by GDF is made from sustainable rattan, which, just like bamboo, is one of the fastest growing resources on the planet and requires little water. This chair comes with water proof cushions and provides luxurious comfort and relaxation. Perfect for enjoying a book.

5-Piece Bamboo Patio Furniture

KaO0YaN

This sustainable outdoor patio set by KaO0YaN is a blend of elegance and simplicity. This set is constructed with durable powder-coated steel frames and all weathered rattan to make the table and stools durable enough for long time use. The stools can be stored underneath the table when not in use, and it’s compact enough for even small spaces.

4-Piece Acacia Wood Outdoor Living Set

Safavieh

This 4-piece minimalistic outdoor living set by Safavieh is made from sustainable acacia wood which is fast growing, does not need fertilizer and rarely needs pesticides. This set looks great both in and outdoors, but does take a while to put together, according to customers.

5-Piece Rattan Patio Furniture Set

Devoko

This classy and modern 5-piece outdoor furniture set by Devoko is made from sustainable rattan. This sustainable sectional is made of high quality PE wicker and is strong enough to withstand all weather conditions. The water resistant durable cushions and tempered glass are easy to clean. Perfect for the patio and entertaining guests!

Acacia Wood Outdoor Sectional Sofa

Great Deal

This sustainable sectional outdoor sofa by the Great Deal, is made from eco-friendly acacia wood. The cushions are made with water-resistant fabric and it’s a great addition to any porch or patio.

Acacia Wood Loveseat

Walker Edison

This eco-friendly and charming love seat by Walker Edison is made from sustainable Acacia wood. It’s an all-weather piece of furniture and has a stained finish. Perfect for the porch, balcony or deck.

Foldable Bamboo Rocking Chair

Wisfor

There’s nothing like sitting back and enjoying the outdoors on a rocking chair. And this sustainable and foldable rocking chair by Wisfor is made from durable and eco-friendly bamboo. It has an innovative headrest, retractable footrest, and the best part is that it’s portable!

Wicker Teardrop Lounge Chair

Christopher Knight Home

This charming and ultra comfortable looking sustainable lounge chair by Christopher Knight Home is constructed from all weather wicker wrapped around a metal frame. It adds style to any porch or patio and includes water-resistant beige cushions.

Wicker Storage Bench

Samu

This sustainable storage bench by Samu is made from wicker and doubles as a coffee table and foot rest. It’s perfect for storing outdoor pillows to save them from UV damage and adds style to your patio.

Acacia Wood Picnic Table

Great Deal

This durable and sustainable country style picnic table by Great Deal is a great addition to your yard and perfect for summer cookouts! It’s made from sustainable acacia wood and naturally withstands outdoor elements.

3-Piece Patio Folding Bistro Set

Tangkula

This eco-friendly 3-piece patio folding bistro set by Tangkula is perfect for minimalists who prefer a small patio set. This set is made from 100% sustainable and sturdy acacia wood and comes with removable cushions.

Tiki Thatch Tilted Bamboo Umbrella

Forever Bamboo

This sustainable and Hawaiian inspired patio umbrella by Forever Bamboo is a 6.5 lightweight umbrella that can be used with your patio table or at the beach. It offers excellent UV protection and is made of breathable bamboo fabric.

Lahaina Wood Outdoor Chaise Lounge Set

Christopher Knight Home

This sustainable chaise lounge set by Christopher Knight Home is made from eco-friendly acacia and eucalyptus wood. They look lovely in any outdoor space and come fully assembled.

Rattan Outdoor Day Bed

M&W

This massive sustainable day bed by M&W is made from eco-friendly rattan and has several cool features. For one, it’s a sectional and can be pulled apart. It also has a retractable canopy and a coffee table in the middle that that you can raise up.

KidKraft Double Chaise Lounge For Kids

KidKraft

We certainly can’t forget about the kids! This amazing double chaise lounge by KidKraft is made from sustainable composite wood and comes with a canopy and cup holders so your little one can relax and enjoy summer!

Eco Friendly Product Guide, Sustainable Living

Best Reusable Water Bottle For Active Moms

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Why The Super Sparrow Sports Water Bottle Is My New Favorite Reusable Bottle For Working Out

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If you’ve been on the search for that perfect reusable water bottle to use on your stroller jogs, then check this refillable sports bottle out!


Physical exercise is an important part of my daily routine. It keeps me healthy, it keeps me strong and it allows me to keep up with my two kids. With that said, my favorite way to incorporate exercise into my daily routine is by going on a slow jog—and I take my three year old with me in her jogging stroller (which is very convenient for the both of us). I get to workout, and she gets to enjoy some fresh air.

Now, whether you work out at the gym, or go running with a jogging stroller, there’s one accessory that’s really vital to have: a water bottle. And if you’re an active mom like I am, then a reliable and reusable sports bottle is exactly what you need to help you get through your workouts. Because you NEED to stay hydrated.

My Jogging Stroller (7 years old btw)

I own a lot of reusable sports bottles, and some I use more than others. For me, it all comes down to taste and functionality. And these days, I’m happy to say that I actually have a favorite reusable go-to bottle for stroller jogging: The Super Sparrow reusable sports bottle. And it has a lot of neat features that I’ll share with you in this article.

Super Sparrow

I’ve been using the Super Sparrow reusable sports bottle for almost a month now and I genuinely have nothing but positive things to say about this reusable sports bottle—from the aesthetics to the functionality. And the very first thing I want to mention is taste. The water tastes really pure with no funky after taste, and that makes me really happy.

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WHAT IS IT MADE OF?


The Super Sparrow reusable sports bottle is made of Tritan plastic, which looks like glass, but is incredibly light weight— giving this bottle a very elegant look. It’s non-toxic, BPA free and incredibly durable—I know because I’ve accidentally dropped it onto concrete a couple of times and it still looks like it just arrived from Amazon. Hence, I’m very impressed that it can take a punch, which is great for active moms like myself.

COOL FEATURES

Super Sparrow Flip Cap

Easy To Open Flip Cap

The Super Sparrow Reusable Sports Bottle has some really cool features that are a must-have for an active lifestyle. The first is a flip cap feature. Right now, as I am writing this article, it is pollen season in Northwest Florida, and yellow pollen is everywhere. So when I go jogging, the flip cap protects the mouthpiece and water from getting covered in pollen. It’s just a really useful feature to have, and all you have to do to open the cap is push a button—which is really convenient if you’re running. The cap also makes the sports bottle spill proof even though there’s a tiny air hole on the inner lid to allow fast water flow (I demonstrate its effectiveness in the video at the very bottom of this article).

Super Sparrow Removable Handle Feature

REMOVABLE HANDLE

Another great feature of the Super Sparrow reusable sports bottle is a removable handle. There are times when I want to hold the bottle in my hand while I walk, and I simply let the handle hang around my wrist. It’s also convenient because I can wash it.

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Super Sparrow With Removable Strainer

REMOVABLE STRAINER

A really fun and healthy feature of the Super Sparrow reusable sports bottle is the removable strainer that comes with it (see my video at the end for demonstration). Being able to add fruit to this reusable sports bottle is a really neat way to incorporate some flavor into your water.

Final Thoughts

Super Sparrow

IT’S EXCELLENT QUALITY FOR THE PRICE


Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this reusable sports bottle by Super Sparrow based on several key features that fit my active lifestyle. It’s durable, the cap opens with a single click, it has a detachable handle, removable strainer, and it’s super easy to clean. I hand-wash it in the sink with a bottle brush.

And I have yet to notice an odd smell that most reusable bottles get. Lastly, how can I leave out the looks? This particular bottle is really pretty and I get complements on it during school pick up when I get my seven year old. It’s a bottle that I would definitely purchase again.

Eco Friendly Product Guide, Sustainable Living, Sustainable Parenting

Best Biodegradable Dinnerware Sets For Kids

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Eco-Friendly And Non-Toxic Dinnerware For Little Eaters

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Updated March 3, 2022

Kids outgrow everything quickly—clothing, shoes, toys and even dinnerware. Which means that eventually the Paw Patrol themed plastic bowl you bought for them a year ago will eventually end up in the trash.

Kids are also picky eaters. They go through phases where they literally have a preference for one item, and one item only—gagging at the thought of introducing anything new to their taste buds. And I hate to say it, but dinnerware (at least in my house) makes a huge difference with my little ones’ eating habits.


Kids are little for only a short period of time, so why not let them have a little fun at the dinner table, which will encourage eating and trying new foods. I mean, wouldn’t that be a pleasant change? And wouldn’t it be even more awesome if the plates, cups and utensils were made from nontoxic and sustainable raw materials that were biodegradable? Well, they exist, and they are stinkin’ cute!

What Is Biodegradable Dinnerware Made Of?

Biodegradable dinnerware is made from natural ingredients that are capable of biodegrading (unlike plastic). And there are three types of natural material that are most commonly used when it comes to kids’ dinnerware:

• Rice Husks

• Wheat Straw

• Bamboo Fiber

Why Should You Choose Biodegradable Dinnerware?

Aside from the fact that biodegradable dinnerware is eco-friendly and great for the environment, as well as your child’s health, dinnerware made from raw and organic sustainable material is durable, lightweight and can withstand high heat (it can be placed in the dishwasher). They are even stain resistant.

So if you’re wondering if making the switch to sustainable and biodegradable dinnerware for your child is worth it, the answer is absolutely yes.

The brands that I have chosen are eco-friendly, and have some of the cutest designs I have ever seen! These can even be used as gift ideas for friends and loved ones who are expecting or having a birthday.

Environmentally Friendly Dinnerware Sets For Kids

BAMBOO BAMBOO

Material | Bamboo + Silicone

This adorable dinnerware set by Bamboo Bamboo is a bamboo and silicone hybrid. It comes with a bowl, sectioned plate, two spoons and a drinking cup. It’s great for weaning and the silicone makes it easier for teething babies/toddlers to eat.

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Rala

RALA

Material | Wheat Straw

It’s always good to have more than one dinnerware set on hand just in case the others are in the dishwasher. With that said, these divided wheat straw dinner plates by Rala come in a set of 4 and utensils are included.

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LILY PAD + LITTLE MR

Material | Bamboo Fiber

This charming and sweet 5-piece dinnerware set by Lily Pad + Little Mr is made of bamboo fiber and consists of one divided plate, bowl, cup and two utensils. And if your little one loves dinosaurs, you can opt for that instead of the adorable elephant!

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LIGHTENING

Material | Bamboo Fiber

For kids who love construction vehicles, this 3-piece bamboo fiber dinnerware set by Lightening is the perfect addition to dinner time. It consists of a divided plate and two utensils. You can also choose from many more construction vehicles! The only downside is that this set does not include a drinking cup.

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Natureware

NATUREWARE

Material | Bamboo Fiber

This 5-piece set by NatureWare is made of bamboo fiber and has the cutest little dinosaur theme! It consists of a divided plate, bowl, cup and two utensils.

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TAUDEL

Material | Bamboo + Silicone

This dinnerware set by Taudel is an awesome dinnerware set for when you are weaning your little one. It comes with all the essentials including a reusable silicone bib.

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Sustainable Parenting

5 Reusable Straws Your Kids Will Love!

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Plastic-Free Reusable Straws Made Just For Kids


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There are a ton of reusable straws on the market these days. But when it comes to kids, a majority of “reusable” straws that you see online or in the store are made of plastic. Granted, these reusable plastic straws are BPA free and perfectly safe to use, they’re still not eco friendly because they’re not recyclable, biodegradable, or zero-waste.

In my opinion, the best reusable and zero waste straws for kids are made of silicone. Silicone straws are durable yet soft enough on the teeth, and they don’t absorb hot or cold temperatures like metal straws do. Plus, they last a very, very long time—making them sustainable and zero-waste because there’s no need to replace them.

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Silicone straws are also dishwasher safe and just as easy to clean as any other reusable straw. And that’s important, because when it comes to kids, a whole lot of goo gets absorbed into these straws. My daughter is constantly using her reusable straws whenever she has a drinkable yogurt, a smoothie or any other thick beverage.

With that said, below you’ll find five of the best reusable straws for kids (all silicone) that your child will really love!

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AMALKA + ALBERT

AMALKA + ALBERT

These reusable silicone straws by Amalka + Albert are made from food grade silicone and are adorned with little animal friends, which kids love. They add so much fun to these little straws! This set comes with 4 silicone straws and one straw brush cleaner.

NIGHTINGALE

Nightingale

These silicone straws by Nightingale come in a set of 6 and have bendable tips which prevent spilling. They’re made from 100 percent platinum cured silicone which is much softer than natural silicone and are chew mark resistant.

SOFTY STRAWS

SOFTY STRAWS

These silicone straws for kids by Softy Straws come in a set of four with a squeegee straw cleaning tool that gets all that gunk out, and keeps your child’s straws nice and clean. These straws are bendy, collapsible, flexible and perfect for thin liquids as well as thick smoothies!

TEGION

TEGION

These reusable silicone straws by Tegion come in a set of 6 and include one straw cleaning brush. These straws are designed for sippy cups, but can be used in any small tumbler, mug and other small beverage containers. Mom can even borrow one to use in her wine glass!

MOOD STRAWS

MOOD STRAWS

These reusable silicone straws for kids by Mood Straws are awesome because they change color in cold liquid! These silicone straws come with a squeegee cleaning tool and are great for both thin and thick liquids. You can get these straws in two colors: berry and ocean.

eco-friendly toys, Sustainable Parenting

Eco Baby Dolls: Natural Rubber Dolls For Healthy Play

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Non-Toxic Alternatives to PVC Dolls That Your Kids Will Love!

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More and more parents are becoming eco-conscious consumers, especially when it comes to toys. They’re beginning to question what certain toys are made of and if they were ethically and sustainably manufactured. Because these things matter.

Many parents are also embracing minimalism, and choosing quality over quantity. You can either have a cluttered room full of cheap toys and gadgets that eventually get tossed into the trash, or you can have a few simple and eco-friendly toys that are high quality and are capable of biodegrading—like natural rubber dolls!


Dolls are an excellent toy. They’re crucial for emotional development and teach a child important social skills like empathy, compassion and responsibility. But, unfortunately, many popular dolls on the market are made from pvc plastic—and many people don’t care. But you should. I’ll tell you why.

The typical plastic doll is made from PVC Plastic. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a carcinogen. And we all know that carcinogens increase the risk of cancer. What makes PVC a carcinogen? Because it’s comprised of chemicals such as mercury, lead, phthalates and other heavy metals which also disrupt hormones and contribute to developmental delays.

Related Post: Best Eco-Friendly Dolls For Kids

These chemicals invade your child’s body through the process of offgassing. Offgassing is when chemicals leach into the environment. Have you ever smelled a new toy or the inside of a new car? It has a very distinct smell, doesn’t it. That’s offgassing. And it occurs the most with dolls made of soft plastic—especially new ones, straight from the factory, and old ones with rips and tears. Now imagine a baby or young toddler getting their mouths on this stuff. Gross, right?

According to the children’s environmental health network (cehn.org) “young children have the natural tendency to mouth soft plastics, which can lead to exposure to PVC through ingestion. Chewing on a plastic toy creates small openings (often microscopic) in the plastic, providing an avenue for leaching of chemicals from the toy into a child’s mouth.”

Those are some really disturbing facts. And what’s worse is that PVC isn’t just in toys—it’s used in making raincoats, rain boots, beach balls and more. And unfortunately, nobody takes these things into consideration when purchasing a product. As consumers, we’ve become way too complacent with buying cheap trends and completely disregard health risks. Our children deserve better.

But you don’t have to partake in that. Because you’re way smarter. When you shop for a doll for your daughter, you’ll choose a plastic alternative that’s safe and non-toxic. You’ll choose an eco-friendly doll. And we’ve got a great suggestion for you!

Say Hello to Eco Baby Dolls

Eco Baby Dolls

Eco Baby Dolls are hand-crafted, eco-friendly dolls made from 100% all natural rubber, which the company sustainably harvests from the Hevea Brasiliensis Tree. Natural rubber is plant based, making it non-toxic and very soft. Hence, these dolls are very snuggly.

Photo courtesy of Ecobabydolls.com


Biodegradable

Natural rubber is plant based, making it completely biodegradable. So unlike plastic dolls, which will sit around in landfills indefinitely, Eco Baby Dolls, which are made from natural rubber, are gentle on the environment and will biodegrade over time.

Non-toxic

Unlike traditional dolls, which are made from toxic PVC plastic, natural rubber is toxin free, and 100% safe to touch. Eco Baby Dolls are also decorated with cotton clothing. So no need to worry about any leaching chemicals.

Available Dolls

Baby Brooke

Baby Brooke
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Baby Cora

Baby Cora
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About Eco Baby Dolls

Eco Baby Dolls and Treexies are creations of Gaiatree, LLC—a family owned company in Maui, HI.

Eco Friendly Product Guide, Health & Beauty, Sustainable Living

The Best Zero-Waste Shampoo Bars For Men

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All you need to know about the plastic-free, biodegradable and eco-friendly hair care trend for men!

Updated March 7, 2022

This post contains affiliate links

Shampoo bars are becoming increasingly popular, which is great! Women everywhere are ditching traditional shampoos and opting for zero-waste alternatives. They’re eco-friendly, they’re cute, they smell like flowers and gumdrops and unicorns—and some even have glitter and tiny chunks of flower petals. They’re the perfect zero-waste hair care product for women!

BUT WHAT ABOUT MEN?

Men don’t want to smell like vanilla cupcakes or unicorn farts! They can’t have sparkles and flower petals lingering on their sideburns. Their bro friends will never let them hear the end of it. But, they do want in on the zero-waste hair care movement—as long as the products have a masculine scent.

Men deserve to have environmentally-friendly eco-manes just like women. And they can—because men’s grooming products now include shampoo bars.

That’s why we’ve done some research, visited a bunch of manufacturer websites, and chose some of the most ethical hair care brands that make shampoo bars made specifically for men in mind with scents like pine and tar and beer, ….you get where we’re going with this.

We’re talking natural, organic and vegan ingredients, zero animal testing, and plastic free packaging. Plus, some of these companies do pretty rad philanthropic work, which is pretty darn awesome, in our book.

Why Should You Switch To Shampoo Bars?

Traditional shampoos are packaged in plastic bottles, and if you take into account one bottle per person, that’s millions of shampoo bottles laying around in your local landfill…indefinitely. Why? Because as you all know, plastic doesn’t biodegrade.

Shampoo bars, however, are made with plastic-free packaging. In fact, most aren’t even shipped to your house in plastic. What they do get shipped in, is recyclable and biodegradable packaging that you can feel warm and gooey about; because you’re helping the planet.

They are also void of harsh chemicals and ingredients that strip your hair of its natural oils. In fact, when switching to an all natural shampoo bar, you may notice that your hair is not as dry as it normally would be after using traditional shampoo. For many people, this may take getting used to.

Shampoo bars are also suitable for beards and body. That’s right! Whereas traditional shampoo is limited to just the hair on your scalp, shampoo bars can be used for much, much more! In fact, men LOVE the new appearance and texture of their facial hair—stating that “frizz” is down by a considerable percent.

Are shampoo bars Convenient foR travel?

Because shampoo bars are solid, compact, and friendly on the environment, they are excellent for travel and outdoor recreation such as camping. You can easily keep them in a soap bar travel container and not worry about spills or airport security telling you that the bottle you’re bringing on board with you is way to big. Plus, you don’t have to worry about a shampoo bottle going rogue and spilling all your carry-on, and you certainly don’t have to spend extra money buying a whole new shampoo bottle on your trip.

How Do Shampoo Bars Work?

Shampoo bars work just like regular soap bars. You create a lather, and smear it into your wet hair (and beard). Then you just wash as you would with conventional shampoo.

Are you Ready to try one Out?

Then let’s go check them out! Try it, and if you like it, make the switch for good! If not, then go back to what you used before. No harm done in trying something new.

Most bars will save you money because they last as long as 2-3 bottles of shampoo—provided you store them correctly. With that said, keep them on a dish soap (one with holes) so they can dry and prevent them from turning to goo. For recommendations on soap trays that are best suited for shampoo bars, check out our article called “How To Store Shampoo Bars And Soap”.

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All the shampoo bars chosen below are Climate Pledge Friendly, which is a sustainability certification. They’re also cruelty free and never tested on animals, just probably on bad employees.

Boss Man

Bossman
Bossman

Bossman is a rugged looking, organic 4 in 1 bar. But, despite its manly appearance, it’s actually packed full of soothing nutrients that pamper your hair, face, beard and body! It’s used as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and beard lather. If you don’t have time to watch their video [above], they go over all types of skin issues that this shampoo bar has helped people with—from acne to dandruff and psoriasis. They go on to discuss how a mom has even used it on her baby because of how gentle the ingredients are compared to traditional shampoo and baby body wash. And that is amazing.

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The Cowboy Bar

Apple Valley Natural Soap

The Apple Valley Natural Soap company is one of our favorite family-owned shampoo bar brands. They are certified cruelty free, and have many cool and unique hand-made shampoo bars for both men and women. They even have a beard soap that you can try. So click on the link and check this small business out. And when you shop at Apple Valley Soap, you can get 10% off of your entire purchase with special code: AVNSDIARIES10 at checkout!

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THE RIGHT TO SHOWER

The Right To Shower

The Right To Shower is a great shampoo bar which an epic mission: each purchase helps flip an old bus into a mobile shower for people experiencing homelessness. It’s hand-made in the U.S. with fair-trade ingredients and produces a creamy lather that’s perfect for an all over body cleanse. They’re available in multiple scents and packaged in recycled cardboard.

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FAT AND THE MOON SHAMPOO BAR

Fat And The Moon

This hand-made shampoo bar by Fat And The Moon will give you a gentle, deep clean with all natural and organic ingredients, and without the wasteful plastic packaging. This lil shampoo bar is equivalent to 16oz of liquid shampoo — and a little goes a long way! The rhassoul clay gives volume to locks, and the rosemary reinvigorates the scalp. You’ll literally have a great hair day, every day. This shampoo bar is available on EarthHero and you can take 10% off of your entire purchase with coupon code: ECOMOMDIARIES at checkout!

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PLUM BRILLIANCE APOTHECARY CHARCOAL SHAMPOO BAR

Plum Brilliance Apothecary

If dandruff is a issue, than try this charcoal and rosemary shampoo bar by Plum Brilliance Apothecary. Handcrafted with castor oil, tea tree, and bamboo charcoal – this shampoo bar comes without any extra plastic packaging or nonsense for your most minimal experience. The charcoal promotes hair growth, while the tea tree removes excess oil, and the castor oil helps balance your scalp’s pH and undo damage. This shampoo bar is available on EarthHero and you can take 10% off of your entire purchase with coupon code: ECOMOMDIARIES at checkout!

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PROFESSOR FUZZWORTHY’s shampoo BAR

Professor Fuzzworthy’s

The Professor Fuzzworthy’s brand is well known for their awesome solid beard wash bars, but now they’ve jumped in the ring with a shampoo bar, and men are really enjoying it. Their beer shampoo bar in particular is unscented and made with actual beer from small local breweries in Australia. It also contains flecks of hops which nourish the scalp and effectively help clear up scalp conditions like eczema and dandruff. Men say it even works great for massive beards. Choose from unscented or scented options!

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& BETTER FEELS SHAMPOO BAR FOR MEN

&BetterFeels

& Better Feels is a shampoo bar formulated just for men and dads who live a busy lifestyle. This shampoo bar is formulated with organic and fair-trade ingredients with a subtle citrus scent that add volume to hair and gently strip away dirt without drying out your hair. The main ingredients in this shampoo bar consist of organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, oat protein and apple cider vinegar.

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Grown Ass Man

Grown Ass Man

These Grown Ass Man shampoo bars consist of organic and vegan ingredients. The founders of this shampoo bar decided women shouldn’t have all the fun when it comes to eco-friendly hair care, so they came up with an epic product that has an epic name! These shampoo bars contain essential oils, as well as conditioning oils that are great for both hair and beards. Each bar lasts as long as 2-3 bottles of shampoo.

Mane Man

Mane Man

Mane Man shampoo bar is a three in one cleanser that can be used for hair, beard and body. The company sources local ingredients that are all natural and organic. The bar itself comes in compostable and biodegradable packaging to prevent plastic waste.

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Duke Cannon’s Shampoo Puck

Duke Cannon
Duke Cannon

Duke Cannon’s shampoo puck is an awesome shampoo bar made of vegan ingredients. The puck comes in eco-friendly tin packaging that you can use for travel. The company also does philanthropic work; they donate 5% of all net profits to US veterans on a yearly basis. We also like this brand because they have a sense of humor: “we never test on animals, only on bad interns”.

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The Shampoo Man Bar

Shampoo Man Bar

If you love the refreshing smell of tea tree and mint, then you will love the “shampoo man bar” which creates a rich frothy lather (according to many testimonials). It’s especially great for dandruff, as tea tree contains anti-fungal properties that eliminate yeast and other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

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J•R•Liggett’s Shampoo Bar

JR Liggett’s

JR Liggett’s is a small all natural shampoo bar that is the equivalent to a 24 oz bottle of liquid shampoo. And with a blend of rich oils like Virgin Coconut, Aloe Vera, Almond Oil, and Mango Butter, it nourishes your hair and leaves it incredibly soft. In fact, the manufacturer claims that you will no longer need conditioner.

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CHLOE MASON SOAP COMPANY

ChloeMason Soap Company

This hand-made shampoo bar by the Chloe Mason Soap Company is made with goat milk, apple cider vinegar and turmeric—two key ingredients that fight dandruff and oily hair. It’s also works great as acne treatment because of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties. You can find this artisan-made shampoo bar in the hand-made corner of amazon!

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