ConservingNow Envirosax Giveaway!

http://conservingnow.com/
ConservingNow is dedicated to teaching our children about conserving the earth by taking small steps. They hope that in 10 years from now, plastic bags will be obsolete, and everyone will be using reusable bags. Their website is full of ways parents, teachers and the community can help children achieve this goal and the goal of making our earth a safe, healthy place to be. We have eliminated the use of plastic bags in our home by using our Envirosax for everything from trips to the library to food shopping and picnics. I keep them everywhere! Kids can get in on the fun with the kid-friendly prints.
We love the Paper doll and ABC print here. I think any way you can encourage your child to embrace the idea of less waste, more conservation and helping this great earth is a day well spent. Go to ConservingNow to learn more helpful hints and ways to get your children in on the fun!

Want to win an Envirosax? ConservingNow is offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win one Envirosax bag in their choice of pattern. And don't forget to get your free car window static cling to remind you to always bring your reusable bags.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 2, 2012. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 3, 2012 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Envirosax will be mailed directly from ConservingNow.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of ConservingNow on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Glass Dharma Giveaway!

Whether your child is a smoothie drinking kind of kid, or a "juice only please" little sprite, you probably have used a straw at some point. Unless you are in the know, that straw was probably plastic. Which I cannot understand, because if you read this blog, I have told you how much I love Glass Dharma straws. (just kidding, I am perfectly willing to tell you again).

The Glass Dharma line was created by glassblower David Leonhardt in response to the wide misuse of plastics. Glass straws do not leach toxins into your drinks. Each use of a glass straw, means one less plastic one sitting in a landfill-so think of how many plastic straws you are not using by using the glass straws for the rest of your life. They are made from borosilicate tubing which is the strongest glass commercially available. They are dishwasher and microwave safe and can be using in cold or hot drinks. They are handmade in the United States. Each type of straw comes in different sizes from sipper, to one that can be used to drink bubble tea. You can get a simple straight straw, one with glass dots to stop it from rolling, and one with a bend. And they come with a lifetime warranty against breakage! They will replace your broken straw for free! You probably will not have to worry about that since the straws are so strong. If they can make it in my home with my child, they can make it anywhere. I love the hemp straw sleeves (to take your straw with you of course) and the cleaning brushes make them even easier to clean.

The most nutrient rich (lumpy) smoothies and even bubble tea can be sipped through these luxurious straws. I always get a kick of whipping my Glass Dharma straw out when we are out on the town. I always get questions about it, and I always smile and fill the asker in on how wonderful and eco-friendly these babies are. They are a permanent fixture in our home.

I know you are practically begging to get some Glass Dharma straws huh?! Well here's how you can win a $25 Glass Dharma Gift Certificate:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on October 21, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on October 22, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Glass Dharma $25 Gift Certificate will be emailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Glass Dharma on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Glass Dharma on Twitter
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
4. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
5. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
6. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
7. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Priti NYC

Painting my nails is one of the small things I do as a quick pick-me-up. I have always loved how relaxing it is. When I got pregnant with my daughter I packed it all away. I was so careful with everything I put on or into my body. We tried using "kid-friendly" paints, but they all chipped immediately and did not seem worth the effort. Then we found Priti NYC. Priti NYC was launched in 2005 in an effort to go green by creator Kim D'Amato.

Priti NYC polishes are all completely non-toxic and made without toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DHB) and formaldehyde- all known carcinogenic ingredients. The luxury polishes are fast drying, chip resistant, contain a UV inhibitor, and are extremely durable and glossy. They are also completely safe for use on children and moms-to-be. Available in over 100 different shades including metallics, mattes, bright neons, rich darks, classic nudes, and everything in between, limited color selection due to ecological restraints has officially become a thing of the past.

Priti NYC now has a soy nail polish removed, recycled glass nail file and even polishes for little ones (the Priti Princess nail polish collection, inspired by D'Amato's 9 yr. old daughter). They are 100% cruelty-free and 100% vegan.


We gave these polishes a go and love them! My daughter and I have had it on for a full week (it lasted through gardening with no gloves, cleaning and beach days). The soy remover is fabulous and works better than those chemical ones. We got to try the Soy Nail Polish Remover Wipes and are truly converted. I am really in awe of the 2 in 1 Top & Base Coat, I usually find them too thick, but this one is great and really prolongs your manicure and pedicure. Priti NYC even has a way for you to recycle your nail polish bottles. What's not to love?! Priti NYC polishes are Priti fabulous!

Green To Grow Giveaway!

Naturally, Green to Grow was started when a man became a father. Michael Ritterbrown, the President of Green to Grow had a child and realized he wanted to protect his child from the harsh chemicals in bottles and other baby gear. Green to Grow began by making a line of bisphenol A-free plastic baby bottles and now Green to Grow makes everything from bottles to cups and clothing for children. We are out of the bottle stage in our home, but after reading such wonderful things about this brand, I was super excited to try some of the new products they have launched.

The new Eco-system Sippy Trainer Cup is a great way to transition from bottles to a sippy cup. It is adorably decorate with a cheery seahorse. It is:

Independently tested for quality and safety

Made from recyclable polypropylene plastic (#5)

Free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and lead

Sold as a single unit with seahorse design

Compatible with sippy spout and sippy handle

Soft spout eases transition from baby bottle to sippy

Complies with EN 14350 and CPSIA

We let our little nephew give it a go, and no only did he not spill, but we loved the cover to keep it safe from germs during our outings. This was a definite winner.

The Ecosystem Formula Stacker is great way to travel with either formula or snacks for your kids. It comes with two 4 oz containers, a pouring spout for powdered formula or snacks, and a lid. Ideal for toting and storing formula and snacks vertically. Purchase a pair of Seashell Lids and convert your formula stacker to two individual 4 oz snack containers!

Independently tested for quality and safety

Made from recyclable polypropylene plastic (#5)

Free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and lead

Compatible with seashell lids

Sold as single unit with blue whale design

Complies with EN 14350 and CPSIA

We never used formula, but these were perfect for traveling with snacks. The seashell lids are perfect for summer! I love that they were able to separate into two separate snack containers which made traveling with dried strawberries much easier. My daughter is a big fan of the ocean-themed design.

Want to win your own Ecosystem Sippy Trainer Cup and Ecosystem Formula Stacker with Seashell Lids? Green to Grow is giving away this wonderful set to one lucky Product Mommy reader.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on June 16, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on June 17, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Green to Grow Ecosystem Sippy Trainer Cup and Formula Stacker with Seashell lids will be mailed directly from Green to Grow.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Green to Grow on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

ImagiPlay Giveaway!

I have been buying my daughter ImagiPLAY products since she was old enough to clutch a rattle. The toys really have grown with her. All ImagiPlay toys have earth-inspired themes (animals, plants etc.) and really spark your children's creative imaginations.

ImagiPLay toys use only materials and processes that are earth friendly. All of ImagiPLAY's toys are made from eco-friendly materials, with plantation-grown rubberwood being a favorite. When they cannot use rubberwood the toy is made from wood from managed forests. ImagiPLAY's factories are placed close to the neighborhoods where its craftsmen live so that the majority of them can walk or ride their bikes to work each day, enabling its craftsmen to maintain quality relationships with their own children while they make toys for others.

Our newest ImagiPLAY toy is the Tumblin Tree EcoBalancing Game. Children (and adults) take turns "growing" the tree by adding leaves and branches onto the trunk. The trunk can be adjusted to be very steady, or very wobbly. Whoever causes the tree to tumble, has to pick up the pieces. The first player to get all of their pieces on the tree, wins! It is made from all natural, manged forest basswood. We have a ball with this game. It is fantastic for hand-eye coordination. My daughter actually begs us to make it harder. I love that we are "growing" a tree. It makes a great centerpiece for teaching children about growth of trees and also how and why leaves fall. I also like that my daughter learns that if she causes the pieces to come off, she needs to help clean them up as part of the game.

ImagiPLAY wanted Product Mommy readers to be able to join the toy fun! ImagiPlay is giving away one Pozimal Kangaroom http://www.imagiplay.com/productsdetail2.php?id=240&name=Pozimals%20Kangaroo. Pozimals are the perfect toy to take around with you to keep your little ones occupied as they move the pieces to create their animal (perfect for a Dr.'s office).

Here is how to win:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 25, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 26, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your ImagiPLAY Pozimals Kangaroo will be mailed directly from Product Mommy.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of ImagiPLAY on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Topozoo

I love watching my daughter create. I also think giving her a challenge every now and then helps to further develop her mind, and her imagination. Topozoo are the perfect way to combine both imagination and problem solving. Topozoo are made in the USA from formaldehyde-free recycled wood and child-safe color stains. All sets are safe for kids age 3 and up. They have everything from dinosaurs to mythical creatures, safari animals and even Spring-inspired rabbits and ducks.

When we first got the dinosaur set, my daughter made sure to put all of the blue pieces together, red, etc., then she got creative. So the T-rex became a fun hybrid of her own design. Topozoo are also a great way for kids to have fun together. We had some friends over, and it was fun to watch the kids create their own designs and make up stories to go with them. I love that Topozoo are made from recycled wood. It is an eco-conscious company. The cardboard box they come in are perfect for storage. I cannot wait to get more. These would also be so adorable in a child's room (or even an office, as my husband sneakily suggested because he wanted them).

Green Toys Pizza Parlor Giveaway!

I love Green Toys. All of their toys are constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. This helps reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet. They are constantly coming out with new toys for you and your child to enjoy. Their newest Pizza Parlor is one of the best yet. It is made in the USA from food-safe 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each pizza ingredient is interchangeable with other Green Toys stacking play food products and fits on Green Toys kitchen sets. The set includes 4 pizza crusts, 20 pizza toppings (4 sauce, 4 cheese, 4 sets pepperoni, 2 sets mushrooms, 2 sets onions, 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, 1 red tomato, and 1 green tomato), pizza cutter, Pizza Parlor order forms, and pizza "delivery" box. There are no BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings and it meets FDA food contact standards. Best of all, it is dishwasher safe!

My daughter has made every Pizza combination imaginable. She is a huge fan of taking our orders...then making whatever she wants. It has been a wonderful addition to her kitchen set from Green Toys. Does your little chef want to get in on the Pizza action? Well Green Toys is giving away one Pizza Parlor set to a lucky Product Mommy reader.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on April 12, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on April 13, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Pizza Parlor set will be mailed directly from Green Toys!

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Green Toys on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Head in the Clouds

If your home is anything like mine, getting your child to sleep can be literally exhausting for everyone. My daughter likes to request that glass of water, or more books. From a very young age, we have tried to maintain a routine that is relaxing. From the first few months when she slept next to us in a bassinet to now, three and half years later. In the beginning we became fans of Cloud B when a good friend sent us the Sleep Sheep. The Sleep Sheep has four soothing sounds and a timer. Ocean waves helped us relax our little bundle of joy more than once (the sound was a good mimic of the fluids in the womb). In fact, my husband once requested it to help get him to sleep. That prompted us to buy the Sleep Sheep on the Go. It was perfect for attaching to her stroller and for taking along when we traveled to make her (and us) feel relaxed. It will come as no surprise that many of Cloud B products have won awards and are touted by Pediatricians and childhood specialist as a wonderful way to help your child sleep better.

Our newest Cloud B addition is the Polar Cuddle Cub. The Polar Cuddle Cub is made from eco-friendly anti-bacterial Soy-based fabric. Inside, her has a heart shaped vibration device with 2 rhythmic options including a heartbeat sound that can be activated with a hug, or on constant stream with a timer. The hands and feet are made from foam. Each Polar Cuddle Cub comes with an adoption certificate. The Polar Cuddle Cub is part of the Cloud B Endangered Species Series, so a portion of the purchase goes to an international wildlife organization.

I am not usually a huge fan of battery-operated toys, but this Cub feels so natural. My daughter likes to cuddle him while we read to her, and she often asks us to set the timer so she can hold his hand while she falls asleep. I love that he is also made with natural fibers. He is the perfect bedtime companion. No blinking lights, no loud noises, just natural heartbeat and vibration to soothe her to sleep. We are a Cloud B home, and will continue to have our head in the clouds.

Born Free Review and Giveaway!

I remember when I first had my daughter, and suddenly hundreds of reports were released that baby products (like bottles, feeding utensils etc.) contained BPA, and other plastics that were actually harmful. I immediately went on a mission to become BPA free, and have never looked back.

Born Free was one of the first companies to go BPA, Phthalates and PVC free with their bottles. They even have an Eco Friendly recycling program where you can recycle your baby bottles when you are done with them! Their new Twist'NPop™ Straw Cup is no exception. It is free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC. It is a generous 14 oz. cup with a hygenic pop-up silicone straw mechanism. This cup is perfect for the older child who is familiar with drinking from a straw. It is truly spill proof, and we tested this by my daughter throwing it into my bag, right next to my phone. I love that the straw is covered until she wants a drink, and simply twists it up (so nice to not have it exposed to germs). My daughter keeps making me wash it because she too is all about this cup. Because Born Free is such a great company, they are offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win their own Born Free Twist'NPop™ Straw Cup (color may vary according to availability). Here's how:
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on March 23, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on March 24, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Born Free Twist'NPop™ Straw Cup will be mailed to you directly from Born Free.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Born Free on Facebook (let them know Product Mommy Sent you)
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Tegu...the Building Blocks of the Future

From a very young age, my daughter has been playing with blocks. Blocks seem so simple, but their educational value is really immeasurable. Blocks are tactile and also teach children hand-eye coordination as they stack and place them. As children get older, their imaginative structures built from blocks teach them balance and precision. My daughter loves to build with blocks, but the minute the structure falls over, it becomes melt-down city. I think I found the solution.

Tegu blocks are made from eco-friendly hard woods. Each block has a magnet safely embedded inside. The name Tegu comes Tegucigalpa,* the capital city of Honduras, where the blocks are manufactured. The Tegu factory provides fair wages and career growth for its employees. Tegu uses mature trees and helps to fund reforestation, by donating to replanting efforts when the blocks are sold. The blocks all have a water-based, non-toxic coating, so you can feel safe when your child uses them.

We have created some amazing structures with Tegu blocks in this house. My child is amazed by how she can just attach pieces to the sides of her creations and "Mama, they stay!" She told me the other day that she was building "a house with nice baseboards." And this from a three year old! I admit, I am addicted to these blocks. I like trying to build cool animals. What a fun way to be creative. I also love that Tegu is a company that gives back. We have the discovery set which is 26 pieces of pure fun. I even am gaga for the packaging which has facts about trees, magnets and the blocks, for little inquiring minds. These really are the blocks of the future.

miYim Dr. Seuss Giveaway!

We looked!
Then we saw him step on the mat!
We looked!
And we saw him!
The Cat in the Hat! (Seuss 1957)

I love miYim for making kid-friendly and environmentally-friendly toys. This is not the first time I have praised miYim, and it will definitely not be the last. miYim understands how hard it is for eco-conscious parents to find toys that their children can enjoy without harmful chemicals and toxins. It is astounding what some toy makers put into their toys, especially the plush ones that get cuddled. No worries when you have a miYim toy! The newest part of the miYim family is the Dr. Seuss line. Who doesn't love the Cat in the Hat? Now your little one can have his/her favorite character to cuddle at bedtime.

Made from cotton that's untreated, unprocessed, and unbleached, this Cat is at the top of the class when it comes to being planet friendly. He's colored with miYim's all-natural PureWaterWashTM process using only plants and minerals, and is tested and certified non-toxic.

This is one very cool cat, and he is soft and cuddly! miYim is offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win a Cat in the Hat 15" cuddly toy!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on February 24, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on February 25, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Cat in the Hat will be shipped directly from miYim.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Go Green Lunchbox Giveaway!

We are of school age yet in my house, but I often have errands to run which require a babysitter and I like to pack my daughter a healthy lunch for the day. I ran into a problem, that yes, I could find a reusable lunch sack, but what about the little baggies needed inside? Cloth snack bags are great, but that means more laundry with all the little snacks I needed to pack. Well the creators of Go Green Lunch Box felt the same.

In 2008 Kim Castner, a mother, was frustrated by how much packaging she was wasting packing single-serve items for her kids lunches. This packaging ends up in landfills.

“a typical American child generating 67 pounds of lunch packaging waste each school year”

Separate plastic food containers did not fit into her children's lunch boxes…so Go Green Lunchbox was born. The Go Green Lunch Box food container is made of polypropylene, along with silicone to ensure freshness of its contents. Both are safe and recyclable

The outer lunch bag is made from a wipe able material. The container has a turn lock to ensure freshness. Each compartment in the box is leak-proof so food stays separated. The Go Green Lunch Box comes with its own drink bottle. There is even a really cool white erasable board to leave your little one a message.

Sound cool? It is! We use ours every time I need to pack my child a lunch. It is so convenient and no waste! And guess what? One lucky Product Mommy reader gets to enjoy a Go Green Lunch Box of their own.
Giveaway Rules:
You must be a follower of Product Mommy.
This contest is only open to US readers. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on December 9, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on December 10, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and the Go Green Lunch Box will be shipped directly from Go Green Lunch Box.

How to Enter: You must be a follower of Product Mommy. Leave a comment with one fact about Go Green Lunch Box http://www.gogreenlunchbox.com/index.html and be sure to include your email address.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Go Green Lunch Box on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Ecoleeko

It is always lovely when the leaves turn and the weather gets a little chill to it. On the other hand, we are able to spend less and less time outdoors, which leaves me scrambling for fun ideas and toys to play with in our home. I found Ecoleeko while I was on my search. Ecoleeko was created by one woman looking to work with sustainable materials. She also loved making dolls, and she combined these two interests to make Ecoleeko. All Ecoleeko products are made with ecofriendly construction materials. Ecoleeko uses only plant based fabrics and stuffing is used.

We got to try the Bean Bag Friends. They are super duper soft toys made from organic cotton fabrics and Bamboo fleece fabric. Each Bean Bag Friend is filled with buckwheat hulls which make the most wonderful sound when your child shakes, snuggles, or throws them. Each face is hand-embroidered with bamboo blend yarn. They come in fun shapes like star, heart, mushroom, leaf and cloud. My daughter loves how soft they are and she adores the sound they make. She is a big fan of shaking them, and playing "hot potato" with them. They are also the perfect take along toy, and with the set, more than one child can easily play along. Sometimes my child uses them as props for imaginative play scenes. These are a super cute way to send your child to school with a little something special to comfort them too! I am looking forward to getting more from Ecoleeko for the holidays for friends and loved ones. No batteries need, no plastic, no harmful materials...only good wholesome fun, fun, fun!

Cate & Levi

What do you do as a parent when you want your child to have environmentally responsible and handcrafted toys? You start your own company like Josh Title did! Cate & Levi was started in Canada by father Josh Title. He wanted toys that actually meant something. He sources locally reclaimed wool to make the toys in the Cate & Levi collection By sourcing reclaimed wool Cate & Levi is not only being socially responsible, they are also giving your child a unique toy. No two Cate & Levi toys are exactly alike!

We got a Giraffe Hand Puppet. It is so colorful and so well-made. I love that the carbon footprint of this toy is so small (from the local resourced materials, reclaimed wool and being handmade by the actual company selling them). We have been using Mr. Giraffe to encourage my daughter to clean up after her little messes. I loved explaining to my little Environmental Warrior why this puppet was so unique. It helped to have a fun way to explain recycling!
Don’t forget to check out the other Stuffed Toys, Pillow Pal, Zoo Cubes and Wall Art from Cate & Levi. Cate & Levi is doing their part of help children understand what being environmentally responsible and socially responsible too; they are donating 10% of their proceeds to charities that help children in need.

Sprout...It is TIME to be Eco-friendlly

Lately a lot more companies are taking a look at the product they make or want to make, and are wisely finding ways to make things more environmentally friendly. I was pretty excited to read about Sprout. Sprout makes eco-friendly watches! Yes, you read that right! With 50 years of making timepieces, Sprout asked how they could make a difference, and a greener timepiece was created.
The small watches are 80% eco-friendly and the large size is 86% eco-friendly. How is a watch eco-friendly? Pay attention dear readers, this is how:
The watches are lead and phthalate free. The Caseback, Bezel, Reflector Ring and Movement Holder and the Buckle Closure are all made with Corn Resin. The Strap is certified organic cotton. The dial is bamboo. It has mineral crystal and used a mercury-free battery.
The watch will not break down during regular wear and use, but in a composite environment, the corn resin is 99% biodegradable to carbon dioxide and water within a year. Corn is a renewable resource. Bamboo is a natural fiber with many environmental benefits, and, Mineral crystal is made from sand and recyclable. Even the packaging is made from at least 80% post consumer fibers. It is both recycled and recyclable. One of the coolest features of the packaging is that it comes with a square that can be watered and set in the sun to grow real grass!
I was skeptical, but I instantly fell in love with my watch. I got the larger size, which is perfect for my needs. These watches retail for a very nice $30, so you can afford to have more than one. Product Baby kept begging me to wear it and we plan on getting her a smaller one. I think these little steps are so important to the overall big picture. You get something sturdy and environmentally friendly. Isn’t is “Time” to make a change?

EARTH DAY ALERT: Sprout has signed on as an official sponsor of Earth Day 2010 (40th Anniversary) and will be in Washington D.C, San Diego and NYC promoting sustainability and environmental awareness with dozens of other eco-related brands and organizations. These events are perfect for families and spending time together for an educational and good cause!

Kinderville, a Kinder Way to Store Food

Kinderville is a collection of amazing food storage products created by two parents who were tired of the plastic only options available. They offer safe products including feeding and food storage systems, bowls, bottles, sippy cups, utensils etc.. They are all safety-tested and are BPA, Phthalate and Lead Free. All of the items are made from a high grade silicone. They can be used in the freezer, microwave and refrigerator and are dishwasher safe. Each item is also bacteria resistant! You can literally go from fridge, right to heating up your child’s food and then popping it into the microwave. We were lucky enough to try a few items from this amazing line. I am now a fan forever!

The Little Bites Storage Jars are perfect for storing baby food and snacks alike. We are out of the baby food stage in this house, but we use ours to store berries for days at the beach or the playground. The unique design makes the jar stay closed so well, and keeps the item inside hot or cold.
The Bigger Bites Storage Jars are wonderful for larger meals for kids who are in school all day, or even sending your significant other to work with a healthy lunch. I found these to be perfect for sending pasta dinners to work with my husband. I cannot get enough of how easy they are to use, and how wonderful it is to not use plastic containers. Our Bigger Bites Jar recently stored a wonderful fruit salad that refreshed us on our very unseasonal 90 Degree beach day this week.
The Little Bites Bowls are wonderful for morning cereal or oatmeal. If you ever took a real look at most of the dishes for children, you realize you cannot microwave them. I often have to heat up my daughter’s food, then switch it to a kid-sized bowl for her –what a waste of resources! These bowls totally changed that!
The Little Bites Cups are just as fantastic. I like bringing this cup for picnics because it will not break in the bag and it allows my daughter to be “like a grown-up.” I also noticed that it stays put on the dinner table, so she has less spilling accidents.
My daughter’s favorite is probably the Little Bites Popscicle Molds. You can make your own freezer pops that make it easy for your child to eat. No need to try and pop them out, the container becomes the holder. We also use ours filled with yogurt for a nice, mess-free treat.
I cannot say enough good things about Kinderville. The products are wonderful, and they have gone through multiple uses and washes. Stop using plastic that does more harm than good, and have fun with Kinderville!

Walking Stick Toys

I love finding a one-stop shop for wonderful toys and goodies for my child and other children I have to buy for. Walking Stick Toys has a wonderful selection of environmentally friendly toys that your child will love.

We got the Starlight Child, which was featured in Mothering Magazines Best Natural Toys of 2009! Each doll is designed with whatever hair colors, etc. you choose, and made from upcycled wool sweaters and organic cotton and stuffed with new wool from a local mill. Mohair hair peeks out from beneath the elfin cap. I have been looking for a doll that my daughter would get really attached to, and turns out, this is the one. I hardly had her out of the box and my daughter was grabbing it. She sleeps with her "Starfish" every night and always comes out in the morning holding her Starlight Child. It has simple Waldorf features, and is beautifully handcrafted.
We also got a felt crown for dress-up (a beloved activity in my home) and the wool crown is easy to get on and off, and you can even customize colors.

After the Starlight Child, I was sure it could not get any better, then we opened the Lyra Wax-O-Glass. It is a set of 10 crayons your child (and you)can use to decorate windows, and they wipe off very easily. My artist decorated by walls as well, and it came off easier than regular washable crayon. I will be stopping at Walking Stick Toys often to stock up on goodies I want my child to be around.

Eco-Kids Dough and Fingerpaint!

We are all dreading the end to the Thanksgiving holiday, and return to the grind. To add to it, it is now time to get going and buy those presents for everyone on your list. Product Mommy is here to tell you about two wonderful products that should be on the holiday want list of every child. Eco-Kids was started by a family of three who lives in Mt. Washington, CA. They heard about all of the toy recalls, and took matters into their own hands to make safe toys for children. The Eco-Kids line includes Eco-Dough, Eco-Fingerpaint and Eco-Puzzles. The Eco-Dough all natural . It is made with plant, fruit and veggie extracts, and contains No chemicals, artificial dyes or metals. The containers are made from cornstarch and are 100% compostable. Unlike conventional dough, if it dries out, add a few drops of olive oil and voila!, playtime is back. My child loves this Eco-Dough. It has a nice fresh scent that by far wins our vote for best-smelling (even compared to other eco-friendly doughs). And it really is the best and can be played with over and over again. If the Eco-Dough goes beyond a state where you can revive it, simply compost it (and the packaging too). The big bonus for me, it actually comes out of carpet unlike Play Dough, because it is all-natural.

Our other fav from the line is the Eco-Fingerpaint. The Eco-Fingerpaint is made with all natural ingredients and easy to make. Each comes in a powder form, so you can make as much or as little as you like (and you can use the containers it comes in if you want). This is great because fingerpaint often dries out, so I like that we control how much to make for each project. My daughter loves feeling like she is "cooking" as she mixes up her paint, and it adds to the fun. I am getting some for all of the kids on my holiday lists.
Eco-Kids make safe, affordable, and wonderful products!

Field Organics Cleaning Products

Field Organics is a company that was started with the goal of creating cleaners that were safe to use in households with children. All of the cleaners are phosphate free, pH balanced and biodegradable. They are cruelty-free, packaged in recyclable bottles, with recycled paper labels printed with soy ink. Field Organics supports the Children's Health Environmental Network, which protects children from environmental hazards. We have the Toy Cleaner in Tea Tree (which is a natural antiseptic). The Toy Cleaner is made from coconut, palm and jojoba oils, spring water and essential botanical oils. If you have ever seen the commercials for a certain bleach product to be used to "clean" your children's toys..and you cringed at the thought..this is the toy cleaner for you. It smells so wonderful and works on all non-porous surfaces to clean and disinfect. You can use it on toys, changing tables, diaper pails, etc. I am overjoyed to have a safer option, especially in this season of germs. Check out this cool company! I am definitely a fan for life and plan on picking up more of the line.