Archive for Eco Friendly Products

Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

We all want to do our part to protect the environment and preserve what God has given us, but without a large hole in our pocket book. It may seem difficult, if not impossible with the high cost of eco-friendly products these days. But doing your part doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Baby steps in the right direction make a big difference, you just have to know which ones to take.

Use less water.

Saving water is all about small steps, here are a few that will help save big.

– Shut off the water while you brush your teeth
– Take showers that are a minute or two shorter
– Only flush the toilet when you need to
– Only run full loads of laundry and dishes
– Buy from sustainable producers. These are farmers, ranchers, and other producers that use techniques that pollute less and use less water. You can do some research online or ask at your local organic market to find these products.

Use less energy.

If you don’t have the money to buy a hybrid car or convert your house to solar power, you can make a big difference with small changes like these:

– Buy energy efficient appliances. They may be more expensive, but in the long run make up for the increased cost in lower energy bills.
– Unplug chargers when you’re not using them. Cell phone and other chargers use up powers even if there’s nothing attached to them.
– Put devices with remotes, like T.V.s, VCRs, and stereos, on a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. These devices use a lot of power to run the remote receiver even when the device is off.
– Walk or ride your bike for short trips.
– Buy local products. It takes energy to transport food and other products across the country. Buying local not only supports your local economy, it helps them use less energy. Support small, local farms!

When it comes to saving energy and water, it’s a great idea to get the kids involved. You can even make it a game. Have them track how much water and electricity everyone is using. You can compete to see who uses the least water. You can often count on your kids to help keep you on track when given the task.

Reuse.

Most of us know the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, but when we work on conserving, we often leave reuse out of the picture. While you can often find tips on how to reuse common products from other people, what you need most is creativity. With a little thought there are many items around your home that can be reused – toilet paper holders can be used to sow seeds for the vegetable patch. And old yogurt containers can be cut into strip to make plant labels. Old food jars can be refilled with homemade foods or can make great impromptu vases.

Use environmentally friendly products. When you go to the grocery store, you probably see more and more “natural” or “eco friendly” products every time. There are generally two big problems with these products: 1. Just because they’re more natural than regular products, doesn’t mean they’re entirely natural. 2, They’re often expensive.

If you want inexpensive, natural, safe products, why not just make them yourself? Vinegar is a great way to clean and disinfect glass and other surfaces. Need to remove stubborn stains? Just add some baking soda to your vinegar cleaner. Some quick searching online will lead you to hundreds of other natural safe home-made cleaning products.

We all knowing that going green means better for the environment, but it’s also better for you. Conserving resources also helps save you money, which is something most of us are happy to accomplish for our families.


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Faith and Family Review of Skin MD Lotion

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

We really liked this lotion. It’s been really nice to use and it makes my hands really soft. It has a gentle, pleasant scent. We also really liked that it’s not greasy. That was a plus for us.

This lotion is packaged in a very convenient bottle and the lotion comes out really nicely with a quick squeeze. We received a 4 oz size bottle, so it isn’t a huge bottle but a little goes a long way.

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Skin MD lotion is an eco friendly, cruelty free, vegan skin care product. It is a SPF 15 for sun protection. Skin MD is manufactured in the USA using 100% solar power, which I think is really cool. Solar power intrigues me. Their products are not tested on animals and are free of animal products.

Amazingly, Skin MD has over 93% natural ingredients and is an eco friendly product that we are pleased with, except for the price of course. However, we have come to expect most things that are good for us usually come with a higher price tag.

You may receive free samples or buy this lotion for $18 here:


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Eco Friendly Toys and Gifts for Christmas

This post brought to you by your friends at www.earthwhile.co.uk

As our family continues our journey in healthy living, we continue to enjoy trying and learning about new sources of eco friendly products. This includes eco friendly toys and gifts for Christmas.

This week we found out about a new shop that carries a wide variety of eco friendly toys and gifts, including:

Wooden Toys- We love wooden toys, especially well made ones because they tend to last so much longer than the cheap plastic toys available. I don’t know how many toys we throw away because they break. It’s such a waste – of toys and money.

Flip Flap- I love solar powered products. Saves on batteries to use the sun! Take a look at this Bee Happy Solar Powered Dancing Flower? Isn’t it pretty? Great for gardeners or just to cheer up a room.

Slate Coaster and Placemat Set

Reusable Shopping Bags by Envirosax – I have to admit that still haven’t formed a habit of remembering to bring my reusable bags with me when I go shopping. However, I think it is a good idea and like the fact that more stylish bags are becoming more available. They even have ones geared towards kids.

These are not the only eco friendly gifts ideas to consider. Consider giving a larger gift to yourself, a parent or grown child if you have the means to, as helping yourself or family members towards energy saving products is a wonderful gift in my opinion. I can think of a few energy leaks in our home that I would love to plug up, but we didn’t get to and would have loved to receive it as a gift. Think about how much money you could save by contributing towards saving energy (and money!) on home improvements like home insulation, garage insulation or outdoor lighting (such as solar powered lights).

Many times giving an eco friendly gift means that the gift will also help others, whether through providing a fair wage or helping a charity. So please consider giving a gift that gives back this Christmas season.


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EllaWrap

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I really love the concept of a reusable gift wrap. Not only does it eliminate so much useless waste, it creates a journal of memories as well. EllaWrap is a wonderful solution to the waste gift wrap creates.

We received the Eco Holiday Bow Bag and it could fit a bag or tin of candies, a small book as it is only 3 ¼” x 3” base by 5 ½” tall. It comes with a little card to keep track of who has used and received the EllaWrap. Initially I thought the EllaWrap would come with a little notebook like a journal, however, in reality it is a two sided card with lines (see the photo below). That was a little disappointing (the writer in me, I guess!) at first, but I still love the idea of reusable gift wrap. I reuse gift bags, but shhhh……don’t tell anyone! ;-)

The Eco Holiday Bow Bag is well made. It is made of recycled burlap on the outside and lined with green material on inside with a good quality Christmas plaid ribbon sewn to the burlap on the outer side.


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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways – Day 8- five ACCESSORIES Prize Pack

Congratulations to Yona! You won this giveaway! Winner chosen by Random.org. Thanks to all who entered and to five ACCESSORIES for sponsoring this great giveaway!!!

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to YOU! This fun prize pack from five ACCESSORIES!

This prize pack contains items from five’s Off the Street Collection, which is handmade by StreetWise vendors in Chicago out of recycled street refuse. These vendors, many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds, work for five ACCESSORIES to earn their income. five’s mission is to create income generating programs, donate a large portion of their sales to charity and foster the use of sustainable materials in fashion. What a great mission, eh?

1 Off The Street Picture Frame

1 Bottle Cap Necklace

2 Pop Top Bracelets

Retail value: $35

Enter to win this prize pack!

Mandatory Entry:Tell me why you want to win!

Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter(http://twitter.com/faithfamilyrevw)

1 Entry: Follow five ACCESSORIES on Twitter

1 Entry:Like Faith and Family Reviews on FacebookPlease do not unlike us after the contest is over. Isn’t that a form of dishonesty? Just sayin’. Put yourself in our shoes, ok? Thanks!

1 Entry: Like five ACCESSORIES on Facebook

Editor’s note: We learned recently that Facebook limits the amount of “likes”, so not much we can do besides friend each other. Just let us know in your comment which one you did for us and the giveaway. Thanks!

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

2 Entries: Follow five ACCESSORIES on their Charity Handbags Blogger Blog.

2 Entries: Follow five ACCESSORIES on their Eco Friendly Handbags Blogger blog.

5 Entries: Sign up for five ACCESSORIES newsletter

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to prize pack from @fiveaccessories @faithfamilyrevw! Please share! http://faithandfamilyreviews.com/?p=5843 Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post and five ACCESSORIES.

1 Entry: for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

5 Entries: Tell me your favorite thing about Christmas.

Details:

This giveaway will run from November 28th to Monday,December 12th at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. I will ship one winner their prize pack. Winner will be contacted via email on or before December 20th and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their info at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to US.

Thanks and have fun!


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Easy Lunch Boxes

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

About Easy Lunch Boxes

* Eco-Friendly
* For Kids & Adults
* Bento-Style, 3-Compartments
* Less Pieces, More Function
* No BPA, Lead, Vinyl or PVC
* Affordable & Durable
* Easy Prep, Easy Cleanup
* Nesting Containers
* Custom, Washable Cooler Bag

Easy Lunch Boxes 1

Our Review

The Easy Lunch Box System is a convenient lunch system that makes feeding little ones a breeze. I found that the Easy Lunch Boxes helped eliminate most of the mess in the van. Not as much food got on the floor, the children had a place to put their food while they were chewing or were tired of eating.

When the Easy Lunch Boxes are all full, only three of them will fit into the Easy Lunch Box cooler. Not all four will fit, so an additional bag will be needed or some other small cooler to keep food items that should be refrigerated cold.

As EasyLunchBoxes.com states, the lids of the Easy Lunch Box containers fit loosely. They do not snap shut, which I appreciated so the younger children could easily open their own container. Yet it was odd trying to fit them on because my tendency is to snap the lids of containers, but these just do not snap. They really only set. Despite this, I still very much like the Easy Lunch Boxes and hope to buy a couple of more to make lunches easier at home and on the road.

Containers4PackSmallPurpleBagMedium


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FFR Friday Giveaway- Easy LunchBox System *CLOSED*

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

giveawaygrandmabutton

Congratulations to Betty!!

Comment #53 chosen by Random.org

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and a very special thanks to Easy LunchBox for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway and giving our readers the chance to win some brand new lunch boxes!!!


In our Back to School Product Guide we featured the Easy LunchBox System. We all know how important it is to pack a nutritious lunch for our children. This system is a way for children to take a nutritious lunch without relying on school lunches and junk food in vending machines. (Although this is improving slowly in some schools). The Easy LunchBox gives parents a way to save money on baggies and paper bags as well as a way to save on the amount of waste going in landfills. What exactly is the Easy LunchBox System? (read our Easy Lunch Box System review here)

The Easy LunchBox System is:

* Eco-Friendly
* For Kids & Adults
* Bento-Style, 3-Compartments
* Less Pieces, More Function
* No BPA, Lead, Vinyl or PVC
* Affordable & Durable
* Easy Prep, Easy Cleanup
* Nesting Containers
* Custom, Washable Cooler Bag

Easy Lunch Boxes 1

http://www.easylunchboxes.com/

The kind owner of EasyLunchBoxes.com has generously offered to give away a container set and one lunch bag (winner can choose color: black, dark red, olive, aqua, or purple ). Retail value ($21.90). In order to win this giveaway, please see your options below:

Mandatory Entry: Visit our EasyLunchBoxes.com and write something learned about their products.

Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Twitter.

1 Entry: Follow Easy Lunch Boxes on Twitter.

1 Entry: Like Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook.

1 Entry: Like Easy Lunch Boxes on Facebook.

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to win an Easy Lunch Box system @faithfamilyrevw! http://tiny.cc/EasyLunchBoxGiveaway Please share! Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post and to Easy Lunch Boxes’ website.

1 Entry for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

Details:

This giveaway will run from Sept. 17th until Sept. 30th at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Winner will be contacted via email on or before Oct. 30th and asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winner will have 48 hours to send me their info at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). EasyLunchBoxes.com will ship one container set and one lunch bag in the color of their choice directly to the winner. Please note: This giveaway is offered to US & Canadian residents only. Please do not enter this giveaway if have won or received free product from EasyLunchboxes within the past 3 months.

Thanks and have fun!


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Charm Factory Product Review

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I was able to pick eight charms to add on to this bracelet. I picked the:

Love Charm- Because I wanted another faith charm.

Big Sister Charm- Because I love being the big sister of 8 children. ;)

Amethyst Heart Charm- My birthstone.

Grand Piano Charm- Because I love playing piano.

Pink Crystal Music Note Charm- Because I love music.

Large Sewing Machine Charm- Because I love to sew!

Cross In Heart Charm- To show that I am a Christian

Large Dolphin Charm- Because I love dolphins!

When I got the charm bracelet I was REALLY excited. The bracelet was very well made, and has a adjustable length which fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist perfectly! I could not find any fault with this bracelet. And might be ordering a couple more charms to add on to the bracelet! ;)

Here are some pictures of the bracelet:

100_5827

100_5831

100_5839

I liked that the charms and beads are .925 sterling silver and manufactured in the United States, all lead and nickel free. Their pewter charms are also nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium, which is a concern with some products made in Asia. (The jump rings attached to their pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel. A few imports that they do not make here, like some chains from Italy, are noted in product details.)

All of the charms where very beautiful, and makes such a nice accessory that goes with almost every outfit! Perfect for anyone who wants to have a bracelet that displays what they love!

Charm Factory’s costs vary on the charms that you decide to buy. They sell over 4,000 charms! And there is no limit to the amount of charms you can have! The charms range from pets, hobbies, to food charms.

I encourage you to check out charmfactory.com


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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Backpacks

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1.)Vyandelle- Bog Pockets Reliving the classic book bag with a new twist – a perfect carry all bag. Made with certified 100% PET trim on the exterior and reclaimed billboard vinyl and 100% recycled PET on the inside. Includes 2″ heavy duty 3 color adjustable strap and four plastic feet for a perfect standing bag. Two front pockets with inside pockets for gadgets, ipods and MP3s. A larger pocket behind the front two pockets, and then a roomy compartment in the main body as well as a laptop protector padded sleeve. Exterior pocket on the back and on sides. $39.99

billboardinabag

2.) Terra Cycle- Yack Pack This backpack stands out in a crowd because every billboard bag is one of-a-kind. Find one that fits your unique personality! This backpack features an integrated protective sleeve for laptop computers with screens up to 15.6″, adjustable straps, and its vinyl material can stand up to everyday wear-and-tear and is also water resistant. Specific billboard is subject to variability. A great recycled product!

yackpack

4.) Hemp Sisters- Deluxe Hemp Backpack with Laptop Storage riple-stitched construction and heavy duty 17 oz hemp canvas give this backpack superior durability and strength. With its overall dimensions of 18 in. high by 13 in. wide and 9 in. deep (front to back), its six zippered compartments and nine pockets (as well as twin cargo straps and bottle pockets on each side), there’s room for all your gear. The back and bottom of the pack, as well as the shoulder straps, are padded for extra comfort. Additionally, the primary storage compartment boasts an additional padded panel secured by a velcro tab that will safely and securely accommodate most laptop computers. Whether it’s from class to class or track to trail, this backpack will get you where you need to go! ($57.99)

hempbackpack

5.) Four Peas Chocolate and Lime Polka Dot Toddler Backpack- This adorable backpack is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for daycare or preschool. Toddler Backpacks are made with 600 denier plus nylon, and completely PVC free, and sturdy. The new toddler backpacks are 12.50″ tall X 10.5 inches wide by 5.5″ deep and are perfect for children 3 and over. They contain a zipper 3/4 around bag with a pocket on the front that is 5″ tall and a 3/4″ gusset with zipper. There are also 1 in. wide adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a padded carry handle on top. These backpacks are toddler sized and not intended for school books.

fourpeasbackpack

Happy Shopping!


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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Fashion Products

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Eco-Friendly Fashion Product

1.) Five ACCESSORIES- Messenger Bag this multi purpose bag is wonderful for school! A great laptop, book bag,overnight bag, gym bag, bicycle bag, beach bag a great bag for any high school student! Perfect for boys and girls. Meant to be worn cross body or over one shoulder, the bag closes in front with a big, sturdy buckle. Adjustable strap drop to 57”, with bag dimensions of 15.5” x 15” x 4.5. Interior pockets keeps everything organized. ($75)

messangerbag

2.) Global Goods- Green Hand Embroidered Bag carry the hope and determination of strong Peruvian women on your shoulder this season while being original and fashion-forward. This embroidered bag showcases traditional Peruvian design and is stitched with sheep wool. High quality leather accents this purse in warm olive and orange tones. The bag features a Fully lined, 100% cotton fabric, a Magnetic closure, a Inside Pocket, Real Leather straps and top detail. The Size: 12” x 16” x 5” base. Full strap length 19 ½”.

olive peruvian bag

3.) Charm Factory Charm Bracelet- We chose this company because we thought it was cool they have over 4,000 charms to choose from! You can pick the charms you want online pick a chain and they will make it for you! You can pick as many charms as you want. With charms from animals, to sports, to fashion accessories! These would be perfect for any fashion loving young woman. They have a variety of prices.

silverheartbracelet
amethystcharmbracelet

Almost every product is made in the USA. They are a green company and all their charms are nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium. The jump rings attached to pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel.

5.) Global Goods- The Lightweight Gauze Scarf is a perfectly versatile accessory. The open weave of the gauze makes the scarf perfect for summer nights and can also be warm enough for those chilly fall evenings. You can even wear it as a sarong for those summer beach outings! The gauze scarf is hand-woven on a traditional foot loom in Guatemala.

Purple-Cotton-Gauze-Scarf

Come back tomorrow for our Back To School Product Guide 2010: Technology and Electronics Feature!


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