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Eco-Friday: Our Latest Organic Kids’ Clothing Crush; You’ll Love it Too!

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Every now and then, we come across a wonderful fair-trade, organic and natural baby, mother and children’s clothing and accessories company that makes us smile broadly. Our latest organic store crush is Wild Dill.

We love Wild Dill so much, we partnered up with it as an affiliate and decided to share the love with our readers.

While “wild dill” sounds like a plant herb, it actually is named for the son, Dylan, of Jennifer, the original owner of the San Francisco-bay area organic children’s clothing store.  In 2014, mom of two Tina Bar jumped at the opportunity to purchase the store when it came available for sale and took it online.

Today, Wild Dill partners with a large range of Fair Trade partners and craftspeople with an organizational mission.

Think indie designers, fair trade artisans and USA based-family businesses.

Wild Dill picks brands that integrate color, pattern and a global perspective; and those that select soft, comfortable fabrics with a focus on organic and pima cottons; handmade and heirloom quality toys made from top quality sustainable wood, soy fiber, bamboo fabric, and organic cotton or other natural materials.

You cannot get any more social conscious than that!

Whimsical and inspired, Wild Dill celebrates “curiosity of childhood, joy of motherhood and comfort of home.” Yes. Love!

Here are our top picks among the ample options available at Wild Dill starting with their Organic Animal Onesies  (above). We imagine they are great for teaching your infant his alphabet early in life by having her wear a letter with an animal whose name start with that letter. Or each onesie could represent the baby’s first or last name and be a monogram-ish item. Eh? eh? Can you see it?

The onesies are pre-shrunk and tagless, made of 100% organic soft baby ribbed unbleached natural cotton. They are are $26 each, a bit pricey for one onesie,  but for a personalized, heirloom quality item, that’s not bad. Also, the purchase supports social good. Portions of each sale goes toward the Tree Planting Foundation, a wonderful non-profit that brings fruit trees to a range of communities worldwide.

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Not just for infants and babies, for little girls, these organic dresses are lovely and start at $30 on sale right now! Sweet!

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These series of dolls are adorable dolls are designed in Brooklyn, New York but finished and created in India from the Hazel Village Woodland collection. Their clothes can be removed and worn on other dolls in the collection. They are wonderfully priced at $44.

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Super adorbs but I really love The Dsenyo collection of handmade dolls hand-stitched by a women’s cooperative in Malawi, Africa.

These fair trade stuffed animals are  made of 100% cotton African batik fabric (an Afrian wax-print textile) with soft jersey knit. They have no buttons so they are safe for kids and proceeds from the sales of these dolls that start at $44 go to Mwayiwathu HIV Support Group. Very very good!

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For mom (or dad), I totally adore this handmade unlined journal made from recycled leather and handmade cotton paper is environmentally friendly and runs $38.

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How cute and stylish are these sets of Scarf bibs? These 100% cotton made in the USA bibs are perfect for your teether who is constantly drooling. They have a velcro closure and are lined with with ultra lightweight yet absorbent cotton flannel  and are perfect for any season. They’ll run you $18.

These long sleeve organic onesies are perfect for cooler temps and start at $10 on sale! 

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I love this Baby Animal Memory book which is eco-friendly and made with soy-based ink is also $38. It comes with 2 pre-baby pages for photos, ultrasound and note to baby; 3 pages for when baby arrives including a spot for footprints, a page to place birth announcement and hospital bracelet; 2 your world pages for a photo of home and how much things cost when baby was born; 12 pages of month documenting; 10 pages that include family tree, favorite things, many firsts including holidays, first scribble, etc.; 5 birthday pages; 1 first day of school page and 11 blank pages with embellishment

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Made of 100% organically grown cotton, this trio Organic Rainforest Towels feature exclusive designs that celebrate some of nature’s wildlife: Happy Lemur, Silly Frog and Funny Bird and made of low-impact dyes are large enough to wrap your baby up! The set cost $44 and would make a great baby shower gift!

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For the nursery and for teaching your toddler to child-aged kid the world beyond the confines of his block, there’s this lovely completely machine-washable World Map Rug, made up of  100% natural cotton and non-toxic dyes. Sadly, it’s out of stock but runs $250 when it is available.

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Another finally, this last item we’d love for a child’s room is this beautiful print by artist Juliet Meeks, which is a magical sleepy narwhal swimming under a starry sky and moonlit night.  The item is on matte slightly textured 100% cotton acid-free paper and digitally printed with archival pigment inks. And runs $28. You can get one with a frame for $75. It would really stand out and stimulate baby.

That’s it! Hope you get a moment to check out their other offerings. You’ll be glad you did. And also, we love Wild Dill so much, we partnered up with it as an affiliate and decided to share the love with our readers so any purchase you make from our clicking one of these links from our site will net us a small share in the sale. Happy Shopping!

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WildDill.com owner Tina Bar and her sons.

Eco-Friday: How to Raise a Green Baby

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These days, babies seem to come with a lot of stuff. Even before they are born, parents-to-be are bombarded with ads and catalogues, all spurring a buying frenzy on a large range of items that are considered ‘essential’ for baby’s wellbeing.

There’s something to be said, however, for going back to basics. A simpler, more environmentally friendly attitude towards child rearing can make everyone’s lives a little calmer and less filled with ‘stuff’. A wet wipe warmer and a diaper disposal contraption are conveniences, not necessities, eventually filling garbage dumps and landfills for centuries to come.

While some people are ever concerned that being environmentally friendly is more work and less expedient, there are plenty of ways you can raise a green baby without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It’s easy!

Feeding a green baby

Whether breast or bottle feeding, your baby is happiest and healthiest when getting fed. So leaving that debate aside, let’s look at how you can feed green. While breastfeeding has no impact to the environment, for obvious reasons, bottle feeding needs a little more forethought in order to be green.

Go for glass bottles instead of plastic. They’re better for baby, and the environment.

Avoid bottles with disposable inserts. If you have enough bottles, keeping on top of washing them isn’t a big a deal.

Use washable nipple pads, instead of disposable. There are great ones made from organic cotton that work beautifully.

As you switch to solids, you can avoid pre-prepared and packaged foods easily with a little forethought and preparation. Fresh veggies and fruits that have been pureed are perfect for little ones and the bulk store is a great place to stock up on dry cereals and baby pasta!

Sleep setup for a green baby

Babies spend a lot of time in their cribs, napping and sleeping. It’s best if they are doing it safely with organic bedding. Investing in a crib that converts into a toddler bed down the road is much more friendly because it reduces waste.

Consider also furniture that is made from sustainable materials and limited chemicals. Carpets, paints and and finishes are often replete with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are toxic chemical compounds found in synthetic materials.

In fact, the whole nursery where baby spends a large amount of time every day and night will benefit from keeping it allergen free. Limit the number of stuffed animals and toys to a select few and make sure that your rugs and other accessories like cushion covers are made from organic materials and are easy to wash and maintain. Indoor air quality is important, so investing in air purifiers is a great way to keep dust and other allergens down.

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Clothing a green baby

Organic clothing is another great way to minimize baby’s exposure to harsh chemicals. Non-organic fibers contain petrochemicals, PVC and other compounds that have been linked to health issues. Organic clothes provide a double bonus for the environment too because their manufacturing processes are sustainable. Almost 20% of all water pollution occurs in the manufacturing of non-organic clothes! And, fortunately, organic does not have to mean blah, fun, modern designs, colors and styles are no w available through brands like Finn + Emma.

When it comes to the fabrics that are closest to baby, forget the packaged wet wipes and get a batch of washable organic cloths! They’re all you’ll need, along with a wet bag for when you’re on the road, to keep baby clean. As for diapering, consider this: the average baby will use up to 6500 diapers before they start potty training. It takes up to 500 years for disposables to decompose.

If you do the math, you can see why landfills are overflowing! If you’re not keen on washing them yourself, there are plenty of services that will pick up the soiled ones and leave you with a fresh pile of clean ones. Look for a local service that doesn’t employ harsh chemicals in the cleaning process, minimizing the eco-footprint in more ways than one!

Other considerations for a green baby

From toys to laundry detergent, you can always make a choice that is more environmentally friendly and those ones, not coincidentally, are usually better for baby’s health and wellbeing.

Rather than a chemical and scent infused soap, opt for a gentle and natural detergent that still gets the job done without risking skin allergies or other reactions. Always remember too that baby’s first instinct is to put things in their mouth. Toys made from organic cotton yarn, or untreated woods preserved with natural waxes, are safer options.

Look for the G.O.T.S. certification on the textile based products you select, which show that the fiber used is certified at least 95% organic, inks and dyes meet specified toxicity and biodegradability levels and certain metals and chemical compounds are not used in the manufacturing process, such as heavy metals and nickel.

Whatever choices you make for baby, and for you, an environmentally friendly one is always available and more accessible than you might think!

Anna Schwengle is the founder of Finn + Emma, a land where sustainability, fair trade, and organically grown cottons live. But Finn + Emma collections aren’t just sustainable, they are also contemporary, whimsical, and sophisticated. Perfect for the trendy baby in your house.

There are no boring designs and toxic chemicals here. Just an abundance of fresh prints and heirloom quality construction. Only the finest 100% organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and all natural, untreated Indian wood will do for your little munchkin. https://www.finnandemma.com

 

Eco-Friday: 10 Ways To Kick Processed Foods Out Your Kids’ Diet

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A friend of mine posted a photo of a very disgusting green sandwich that came with the brand new packaged branded portable lunch kit she got for her kid (I won’t say the name of the very popular brand). Ick!

It reminded me of my long-standing opposition to processed foods. Not only are pre-packaged foods loaded with extra sugar, salt, additives and preservatives, but they usually have extra calories, cholesterol and saturated fats that fresh whole foods.

But we must admit, in this very busy days that we live in, it’s easier and way more convenient and less time-consuming than putting together all natural meals for breakfast and lunch.

To help out myself and other moms, I reassembled a past blog post with a list of healthy alternatives to processed foods for us to consider serving up for our children. It may take a few extra steps and time out of the day, but if it will save the nausea of looking at a green pre-packaged meal kit sandwich then let’s do it!

  1. Opt for Homemade Granola Over Pre-Packaged Cereals – It doesn’t take much to mix together old fashioned oats, sunflower seeds, coconut, nuts, spices, honey and no-sugar-added applesauce to create delicious batch of granola for the kids. One of the perks of homemade granola is that you get to add the flavors your kids enjoy while avoiding preservatives and additives. Milk turns your homemade granola into a breakfast cereal, while mixing it with yogurt makes it a healthy and substantial snack.
  2. Skip Breakfast Bars and Toaster Treats – Both are good for quick fixes in the morning, but are they good for you? Substitute whole wheat toast with a nut butter or an all fruit, no-sugar added spread. It’s fast, nutritious and just as tasty.
  3. Freezing Homemade Pancakes – Commercially-frozen pancakes don’t taste nearly as good as the whole grain pancakes you can make yourself. You can whip up a large batch of the tasty cakes and put them in freezer bags to pull out when you need them. Since you are the one making them, you know exactly what they contain, and you can be sure your kids are getting healthy food without chemical additives
  4. Choose Fruit Over Syrup – Pancake syrup might be tasty, but anything other than pure maple syrup is filled with chemicals, flavoring additives and preservatives. Try substituting pureed fruit or one of the many all-fruit spreads available without the added sugar. Another tasty topper is natural applesauce.
  5. Make Your Own Pasta Sauce – Have you ever noticed how spaghetti usually tastes better the second day? Make your own pasta sauce from scratch and you will eliminate all the preservatives and excess sugar. Make enough to freeze dinner-sized portions and you will have instant meals for busy days.
  6. Cut Out Canned Pasta – Opening a can of pasta is quick and easy, and kids love those little “o’s” and alphabet letters. You can make those quick and easy meals healthy by purchasing fun pasta shapes and combining them with your homemade pasta sauce. Freeze child size portions and you have plenty of meals ready to just heat and serve.
  7. Make Your Own Lunch Kits –Kids love tearing into those lunches with crackers, deli meat, cheese and some kind of sugary treat. You can create the same effect using healthy ingredients and adding fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grain crackers, organic cheese and your kids’ favorite treats still allow them to stack and assemble lunch, just without the added chemicals. Try carrot chips as a substitute for greasy potato chips.
  8. Choose Fruit and Vegetable Bread Over Cakes – Every now and then, cake and other sweets are a nice treat. Still, a steady diet of such fare is not good for you. Substituting quick breads like banana bread or zucchini bread can be a healthy alternative, especially when they’re made with a health-conscious recipe. A little softened cream cheese with fruit makes a nice topping.
  9. Make Mini Pizzas – Instead of the fat-laden, commercially-frozen pizza, offer your kids the opportunity to make their own mini pizzas. All you need are some whole wheat English muffins, a little marinara sauce, low fat cheese and any other toppings they’d like to add. Pile on the good stuff and bake in the oven until the cheese is a nice golden-brown. These little pizzas are easy and fun to make, the kids will love them and you’ll have the pleasure of knowing that your kids are eating healthily. For variety, you can make morning pizzas by adding scrambled eggs as a topping. Give it even more flair by using salsa and crumbled turkey or chicken sausage.
  10. Pass on the Cookies – Cookies are an easy snack to reach for when little tummies rumble, but they’re also full of empty calories. A healthy alternative that kids will enjoy includes mini rice cakes with banana slices and peanut butter in between. When you use natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter, you have a healthy, protein rich snack.

Part of making the change to healthy substitutes is not saying anything about what’s being substituted. Just offer the alternative as you would any other food, and soon you will find your kids eating healthy foods without complaining. Ideally, starting your kids off early in life with less sugar and bad fats means a much healthier childhood, but it’s never too late to change. It may take a little time to get older kids on board, but modeling good eating habits yourself and getting them involved in helping make the meals will go a long way towards advancing your cause.

Here! Here!

Eco-Friday: 4 Organic Baby Products We Tested Out and Love!

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People often equate the term and concept of organic to foods but did you know that organic products can include items like clothing, furniture and other non-edible things?

For this eco-friday, we’re running down some of our favorite organic items for baby and for those parents who are cautious about their carbon footprint and who want to ensure that all products they use are safe for the environment and the earth.

Here are four products that we’ve tested out and love!

1 The Organic Onesie

We’ve blogged before  in 2010 and again in 2013 about organic onesies. Yes, that’s a thing.  I adore San Francisco Bay area company Colette Kids  that produces a collection of super cute unisex clothing for infants, toddlers and children up to 6-years old. The company individually screen-prints by hand each of its signature designs.

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My 7-month old niece and Goddaughter Aubrey looked supercute in this soft and stylish Organic Gunther Giraffe Onesie made of 100% USDA Certified Organic Baby Rib cotton that Colette Kids sells. Get your own at their site for $25.00 which is worth it because this item is double stitched and will last in the wash. The chocolate tulle tutu is soft and didn’t irritate her infant skin. They offer free shipping for orders over $50. Nice!!

2 – The Organic Bib

I also recently discovered organic bibs  made by another California-based brand, Monbrigo. Why buy sub par quality bibs that get destroyed after a few washes when you can get a top premium, quality, well-stitched, soft and absorbent bib that lasts? Also, Monbrigo gives half of its profits to various community goodwill project. The bib designs are created by undiscovered and unsung talented artists from the area. The company donates to food banks and projects that get healthy organic and farm fresh produce to low-income areas and food deserts. Love!!

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We partnered with Monbrigo in the past and it generously offered Bellyitch readers get an exclusive deal at checkout! 20% off with the code BELLYITCH.

3 – The Organic Crib Mattress

If you didn’t know, you can even get an organic mattress for your baby.  Eco-friendly foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be made with fewer chemicals, plastics, and PVC (vinyl), and a greater percentage of renewable and sustainable materials, such as cotton, fast-growing bamboo, coir, plant-based foam, and natural latex (rubber from tree sap that’s been injected with air). Some eco-friendly foam mattresses are made with soybeans or oils from other plants.

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Also, the manufacturing process for some eco-friendly crib mattresses tends to produce fewer carbon emissions.

I am a fan of partners Naturepedic . It sells the No-Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 crib mattress which is made from  “U.S.-grown organic cotton filling” and a polyethylene plastic waterproof surface that, the manufacturer says, is free of vinyl/ PVC, phthalates, lead, or antimicrobial biocides. It sells for $260.  In general, prices for eco-friendly mattresses are higher than regular mattresses.  But when you get a mattress that limits the exposure to toxins, you have to pay a premium for it. (smile)

4 – The Organic Mobile

Finally, love love products that have a social good aspect to them as well. Pebble by Kahiniwalla is a nursery collection of the cutest, Fair Trade toys, blankets, mobiles and other items. The Nursery Collection offers a wide variety soft, cuddly and unique toys, blankets and more are the perfect way to welcome baby into your home and family.

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Personally, I admired the intricate and delicate detailing of an Organic Bird mobile Kahiniwalla sent us to check out. It feels good to know that all of the painstaking time that impoverished women at an economic independence and job creation program in Bangladesh took to put this gorgeous nursery product together will actually benefit them. At $38.00, this handmade mobile is a wonderful bargain and it is unique and unlike any other. It adds some whimsical and care to any nursery.

There you have it. Four organic products we tested out and absolutely loved for their quality and goodness to the earth.

Eco-Friday: 4 Mindful Labor Day Travel Tips to Follow

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Labor day is supposed to be about celebrating the worker and all of the efforts or organized unions and labor to get worker’s rights. So it is fitting that many the holiday to also relax.
Traditionally, schools return after labor day and therefore, many families will be hitting the road for last minute beach trips and visits to family that are far away. In the interest of do no harm to the planet, Harmless Harvest, the company behind the first ever “Fair For Life” certified coconut water, shared some mindful travel tips that help minimize travelers’ carbon footprint this Labor Day weekend:
 
 IT’S COOL TO CARPOOL
Labor Day weekend is an opportunity for families and friends to hop in a car and go on a quick getaway. Opting to take one car (instead of several) significantly reduces greenhouse emissions and makes for an entertaining round of carpool karaoke.
 
 SNACK SUSTAINABLY
Choose snacks that are close to how nature intended them and produced by companies that care about their ingredients. Harmless Harvest is a coconut water company that practices sustainable farming methods, which have minimal impact on the planet. Choose wisely, stay hydrated and drink up!
HARMLESS LODGING
You may not realize this, but hotels are large energy consumers when it comes to energy and water use (e.g. lighting, air conditioning, laundry). Instead of booking a room at a hotel, consider packing a tent and going camping instead. You’ll reduce your impact on the environment and be closer to nature.
SHARE A BIKE
There are few better ways to sight see than by bicycle. Leave your personal bike at home and rent from a local bike shop. Not only will your ride emit zero pollution, your family and friends will also get a great workout!  Because in the end, what’s good for you is also good for the planet.

Harmless Harvest Coconut Water is constantly thinking about ways to support the environment. The company is revolutionizing the impact the beverage industry has on the planet with its ecosystem-based business model. They produce the best-tasting coconut water around and are leading the efforts in educating consumers on ways they can reduce their impact on the environment.

So gather your friends and family, pack your tents, and plan a “greener” Labor

Eco-Friday: 10 Books to Read if You’re having a Vegan Pregnancy

 

A few year ago, actress Emily Deschanel got some heat by continuing with her vegan diet while pregnant last year.

However, despite concerns, remaining vegan while pregnant can be done safely with the consultation of a doctor and nutritionist and maybe also by reading up on some recommended books on having a well-rounded vegan diet.

 She is not the only celebrity to stick with her vegan diet even while pregnant. Alicia Silverstone even wrote about her vegan pregnancy diet. Carrie Underwood, Natalie Portman and Allyson Hannigan  are vegans who softened up and switched to vegetarianism during pregancy.
The Happy Herbivore put together a post that includes a list of recommended books for having a safe vegan diet and pregnancy.
Check them out:

Eco-Friday: 14 Apps to Help You Monetize Extra Stuff & Rooms in Your Home

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You got lots of stuff in your home and all that extra items and even extra space could make you extra cash. What a great eco-friendly way to upcyle and reuse the old than to sell some of it of it for cash?!

Mortgage payments, property taxes and utility fees can pile up every month to put a considerable ding in our bank accounts. But an enterprising homeowner with a laptop and a smartphone can quickly turn every room in his or her home into an avenue for extra cash. There are dozens of amazing new apps and online services that let you find creative new ways to monetize the extra space in your home.

Check out this infographic which offers some great ideas:

 

Tools to Monetize Extra Space in Your Home


Tools to Monetize Extra Space in Your Home Created By: Homes.com

Eco-Friday: 20 Memorial Day Eco-Friendly Grilling Tips

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It’s Memorial Day weekend and many families around the US may be hosting barbecues and cook-outs in celebration of the holiday remembering fallen soldiers of war or military servicemen who have passed away. As you prepare to host an event in your home, consider implementing some of these simple suggestions for having a Green, Eco-Friendly and Environmentally-friendly event.
  1. Plan ahead so you don’t have too much food.
  2. Use natural charcoal or better yet natural gas or propane grill which are more environmentally friendly.
  3. Buy local produce from local farmer’s markets
  4. Buy organic foods
  5. Consider vegan or vegatarian options which are better for the digestive system
  6. Use all natural insect repellant and bug sprays which are better on the skin, especially for small children
  7. Bring home the goods in a recyclable or paper not plastic bags
  8. Serve food on reusable plates and utensils or biodegradable or recyclable flat and tableware
  9. Start your fire with a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid
  10. Cook with pans and items made of recyclable materials
  11. Spread the energy consumed cooking around by having guests bring a dish
  12. Grill as much as you can, and even cook the foods in the burners on the grill because it saves energy
  13. Cover pans while cooking to reduce cooking time or energy bill if you are cooking on the stove in the kitchen
  14. Cut up the food into smaller pieces to let them cook faster and save energy
  15. Consider using a water-filter pitcher or a faucet mounted filter for water instead of bottle water
  16. Mix up a batch of lemonade or iced tea and serve in a large pitcher or punch bowl to cut down on cans and plastic bottles
  17. Figure out creative ways to “remix” the leftovers rather than dump them out.
  18. Compost the veggies or grill scraps.
  19. Clean up using non-toxic cleansers and Green cleaning products
  20. Recycle when you’re done!

 

Even if you can institute a few of these suggestions, you would have done at least something to reduce your carbon footprint, and give back to Mother Earth. Happy Grilling!

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Eco-Friday: Save Money on Your Home with These 5 Upgrades

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Fifty-five percent of global online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay for products and services from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact, according to a report from Nielsen. Fortunately, it’s now the mainstream for retailers and manufacturers to offer a wide variety of eco-friendly products and upgrades. Brands are listening to their customers and continuing to develop the green products they want. Here are five money-saving, eco-friendly upgrades to get started.

Dishwasher drawers

Skip the large dishwashers if you live solo or as a couple. Dishwasher drawers are perfect for smaller homes and apartments. Fisher & Paykel make a single-drawer dishwasher that’s Energy Star-qualified. The dishwasher blends in with your home decor and leaves more room for cabinets, storage and other eco-friendly appliances.

Remember that your homeowners insurance typically only covers the repair of structural damage — it doesn’t touch appliances and systems in your home. You’ll need to invest in a home warranty from a company like TotalProtect to cover the repair or replacement costs when appliances break down from everyday use.

Smart thermostat

Heating and cooling systems are often left on all day while at work or away. In some cases, you have no choice but to let them run or face a freezing home with cracked water pipes when you get home. Meanwhile, a smart thermostat like Nest can learn your habits and adjust around your life. Nest creates a cooling and system schedule and can adjust when your needs change. On average, Nest saves up to 12 percent on heating and 15 percent on cooling bills for a savings of nearly $145 a year.

Energy-saving windows

Install Energy Star windows and skylights to lower your overall energy bills and save money. But more importantly, you can help reduce your part in greenhouse gas emissions. The low-emissivity coatings on Energy Star-certified products can also help reduce UV sun damage to your furniture and carpet. From a money-saving standpoint, homeowners can save anywhere from $101 to $583 a year when replacing single-pane windows. You’ll also save the environment up to 6,205 pounds of CO2 a year.

Lighting

Light-emitting diodes, or LED lighting, prove an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your home’s lighting with LED and Energy Star rated bulbs can save $75 each year. Meanwhile, 90 percent of the energy from incandescent bulbs is given off as heat and wastes resources and money. Other eco-friendly lighting choices include Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) bulbs and eco-friendly halogen incandescents.

Bamboo flooring

Quality bamboo flooring is less expensive and more durable than its wooden counterparts. Bamboo grows rapidly and regenerates itself in around seven years, while it can take trees 40 to 50 years to replace themselves. Bamboo is also easy to clean and gives a modern, clean aesthetic to your home. But like any flooring, the trick is to invest in a quality product. Cheap bamboo flooring will dent and scratch and need replacement sooner. Always go with a reputable, top of the line retailer and product to get the most out of your home upgrades.

Eco-Friday: This New Single Serve Brewing System Is Better for the Environment (Unboxing Video)

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I admit being a coffee addict and that I get a euphoric feeling after having a hearty cup of brew.  Earnestly, I think coffee not gets me through my hectic day which usually starts at 6am. My hectic schedule includes corralling my kids and shipping them off to school, then schlepping back to my home office to blog, work on deliverables for legal or consulting clients, social media networking blog posts, try to squeeze in a trip to the gym, conduct meetings or interview people and then end the day by picking up the kids and taking them to the library before returning home to make dinner, and get them to bed, before working until midnight.

I’ve been known to spend a pretty penny at my local Starbucks as well. People give me Starbucks gift cards as presents because they are aware of my love of coffee. My husband wanted to help me save money from all those Starbuck runs and get me a single serve coffee system for Christmas but I discouraged him because of my concern that the capsules are not too environmentally friendly. Also, the costs for the capsules could be astronomical compared to a traditional coffee maker.

When I was asked to review a newcomer to the industry Touch Coffee, my interest was piqued because it looked to be a more eco-friendly alternative to what is on the market now.

It starts with the fact that unlike the standard Keurig K-Cups® in that popular machine, Touch® T526S brewer’s capsules have been re-engineered to so they are larger and thus can brew a larger cup of coffee. The makers boasts that the system has revolutionized and re-invented the  single-serve coffee platform Touch’s easy-to-use systems brew superior-tasting, coffee shop-quality coffee in significantly less time than current machine

They also boast that compared to most K-Cups®, which only fit up to 12.5 grams of coffee, XBold Cups ™ pack up to 15 grams of coffee and XLARGE CUPS™ provide up to 18 grams of coffee.

Nonetheless, the brewers are still  fully compatible with any cup at all—from existing to generic cups, in addition Touch  XBold Cups™, XLarge Cups™ and reusable Refill Jumbo Cup™.

The Refill cup is also another eco-friendly feature because you can save money and instead of buying replacement capsules, you can simply use grounds and spoon them in that filter! Sweet!

Touch has a Flash Heating system that starts brewing in under 20 seconds even if it has been off all night and it heats up just the water needed for the cup and not the entire tank of water.  It stands out from other machines that take much longer to warm up, a company release notes. Those machines shoot water through the coffee grounds too quickly, so users  then end up throwing away untapped flavor with the used capsule.

No bueno!

The T526S brewer allows you to choose from eight cup sizes (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18 ounces and carafe)

The fact that you can make up to 18 ounces means that one capsule can create up to 4 cups of coffee makes it more environmentally friendly and I noticed that the machine turns itself off automatically which is an energy-efficient alternative to existing brewers in this market.

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“We have incorporated our innovative technology to our single-serve system—and the single-serve cups that accompany it—with one goal in mind: the perfect cup, every time,” its CEO Sam Kim said in the release. “Not only did we succeed at designing a machine that produces coffeehouse-quality coffee, but we have also made it convenient, intuitive, quiet and quick with a high-end design.”

The brewer retails for $249.99 and can be purchased at  www.TouchBeverages.com, Amazon.com, HomeDepot Online,  BestBuy.com, and  select Best Buy stores.

But if you are inclined to purchase one based on my review and unboxing below, I invite you to use my affiliate link HERE to do so! Thanks for supporting a blogger! 🙂

My camerman is my 13-year old son Caleb! We had some fun taping this. Check it out! 

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