Today’s post is, as promised, once again directed (mostly) towards all of you eco-friendly gentleman readers out there – and the lovely women in your lives who like to buy them presents. I’ve compiled a range of interesting, unique, and clever gadgets, accessories and personal items that you don’t have to feel guilty about buying.

OK, I admit – I’ve written about the good people at Resource Revival in the past – I love their stuff so much that I bought one of my closest male friends their Sproket Wall Clock for Christmas. If you’re looking for a similarly cool (non-clock) gift for your favorite green guy, check out these nifty recycled Bottle Openers. Made from reclaimed bicycle chains, these bottle openers are affordable ($9.00 apiece), come in a variety of bright colors, and fit on a key chain.

If you’re looking for recycled bike-inspired jewelry, you might also check out this 7-inch bracelet made from a reclaimed bike chain. For just $12 you can show the world that you’re both eco-friendly and practical (you know, in case your chain break while biking you can always fix the chain with your bracelet)!

In looking for the coolest summer shoes possible, I found these Hermes Flip Flops from Be Good Designs. Made from 100% recycled leather, these stylish shoes are available in brown, black and tan. While they aren’t cheap (they sell for $98 apiece), they are sturdy, well-made and eco-friendly.

If you’re looking for a sturdier sandal, you might like the Apolo Sandals. Made from leather reclaimed out of car seats (no lie), these shoes also sell for $98 and come in black, brown and tan. Be Good Designs believes in treating the planet with respect, and manufactures all of their products in a sustainable manner. The materials used, suppliers contracted, and laborers hired are all treated in a fair and humane manner, and all apply eco-principles to their own part of these products’ production.

We all need bags sometimes, and finding cool eco-bags can be difficult (trust me, I’ve looked plenty). If you’re looking for a decent-sized messenger bag, consider buying the Wellesley Messenger Bag from Jack & Marjorie. Made from reclaimed leather, military surplus tent canvas and organic cotton twill (for the lining), each of these bags is unique in their own little ways. The Wellesley is large (W 15.5″ x H 11″ X D 3″), and as sturdy as your favorite canvas tent. Find this (and other messenger bags) on the Jack & Marjorie website.

Here’s hoping that one of these nifty items suits you (or your favorite green guy)!

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When researching companies and products to use in this blog, I’ve noticed that most of the sites I visit are specifically directed towards green-minded women. The “eco-list” I maintain is filled with companies that make lingerie, swimsuits, dresses, t-shirts, jewelry and handbags for women, and the products and companies focused on the needs of men are few and far between.

In an effort to appeal to all (or at least more) of my readers, I’m decided to dedicate this, and the next few posts, to great green goods for sustainably-minded men. So if you’re looking for clothes, shoes, outwear or accessories for yourself or your favorite guy, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s post… sustainable and green garmets for eco-minded men!

EDUN – EDUN is not your average sustainable clothing company by a long shot. Founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono (yes, that Bono), EDUN’s mission is to drive sustainable employment in developing economies by producing organic and eco-friendly clothing. EDUN clothes are currently produced using sustainable practices in India, Peru, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar.

If you’re looking for a crisp dress shirt, you might check out this short-sleeved Tropic Woven – Sandstone Khaki shirt. Made with 100% organic cotton in Uganda, this button-down shirt is finished with epaulette sleeve detailing and can be purchased for $95. EDUN also makes jeans, and is currently offering thee Galaxy Denim Pants in black. Constructed with 98% organic cotton denim (the other 2% is stretch), these slim-legged jeans can be picked up for $145.

Loomstate – Launched by designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn in 2004, Loomstate is dedicated to creating certified organic clothing using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production. Loomstate clothes are inspired by the balance of shape and color that’s found in nature, and are designed with an eye towards comfort, fit, and durability. f you’re interested in casual clothing that are 100% organic, you might find what you’re looking for at Loomstate.

I like these 100% organic Crafton Cargo Shorts, and know someone who would look great wearing these on weekend hikes or visits to the Farmer’s Market. These heavy weight cargo shorts come in Olive Green and can be purchased for about $100 on the Loomstate website. If you need a shirt to pair with your new cargo shorts, consider the “Peace Signs” SS Crew Tee for $38. Available in blue, beige, or black, this 100% organic shirt sends a message that connects peace with alternative energy. Loomstate also offers denim, dress shirts, jackets and hoodies for men, and has a collection for women as well.

Boll Organic was created when founders Kent and Kevin Russell couldn’t find any organic dress shirts. The company prides itself on creating superior organic dress clothes at prices comparable to their non-organic competitors. And even though it costs Boll Organic 30% more to create organic shirts, they still manage to donate 1% of their profits to organizations that are working towards a cleaner environment. Buy Boll Organic shirts if you’re looking to impress others and feel good about yourself. The company’s shirts come in 2 styles – button down and spread collars, and are made from 100% US Supima cotton. The shirts come in classic white and can be purchased on the company’s website for $35 each.

Other eco-friendly retailers who make men’s clothing include:

`e ko logic – Organic and recycled polos and t-shirts.

Spun Bamboo – Organic bamboo t-shirts, boxers and sweaters.

Ecolution – Hemp clothing, accessories and shoes.

HT Naturals – Hemp, cotton and eco-fiber casual clothing.

Join me next time to find out where you can get eco-shoes, accessories and other guy-centered sustainable goods!

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One thing I spend a lot of time thinking about for this site is what it really means when we call a product, company, or service “green,” “eco,” “environmentally-friendly,” or “organic.” It seems that there are an increasingly large number of companies jumping on the “green” bandwagon, but how do we know if what they are offering is actually green or simply marketed as such?

When I research and write about green companies and products for this site, I try to pay attention to the each company’s environmental and human rights policies, look up sourcing information on the materials used to make products, and concern myself with the entire life cycle of a “green” product – from conception to delivery. In doing so, I’ve certainly thrown out some “eco” products that weren’t all that green upon further examination.

I’ve been reading more and more recently about the “Zero Waste” movement. Zero waste is a concept whereas all of the materials required to manufacture products are used in various ways. In doing so, the externalities of the manufacturing process are significantly reduced, waste is removed from the manufacturing process, and new goods are created using materials that would otherwise be tossed into a landfill or incinerator. By creating zero waste products and working within a zero waste manufacturing system, companies can ensure they are participating in the highest form of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” possible.

If you’re interested in finding clothing that’s been produced using the Zero Waste mentality, there are a few cutting edge designers and organizations out there in whom you might be interested. London-based designer Mark Liu rolled over his Singularity Point Collection at the London Fashion Week in February of this year. By employing a unique cutting technique, Liu saves over 15% of the fabric needed to create his designs, and therefore reduce the amount of fabric needed and waste produced in the manufacture of his high-end clothing line. Liu’s fashions aren’t cheap (they fall into the – “if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it” price range), but are fun, eco-friendly and very sexy!

Another of these cutting edge Zero Waste designers is Caroline Priebe of the 5 in 1 Studio in Brooklyn , NY. Priebe designs under the Uluru label, and works in cashmeres, silks and hemp fabrics. When creating pieces, Priebe saves every scrap of fabrics and “upcycles” all of the previous years’ scrap remnants into the details and finishings on her new garments. By ensuring that every possible piece of fabric is used in some way, shape or form, Priebe is able to bring her Zero Waste collections to market. I like the $200 Cashmere Dress (on the left). It’s made with 100% cashmere and finished with a black silk scarf that was most likely salvaged from the trash!

The Zero Waste philosophy of fashion design is still in its infancy, and the cost of these products reflect the fact that this may become the next big thing for high-end fashionistas. Like most fashion trends, Zero Waste clothing will probably come down in price over the next few years – and like most things – is most affordable if you can make create your own personal Zero Waste line! I’ve listed a few sites below if you’re interested in learning more about this emerging trend and finding out about other designers who are turning their minds to reducing waste and designing the most eco-friendly clothing possible!

Zero Waste – The Newest Eco-Fashion from Planet Green

Zero Waste Designers by Laurel House of White Apricot

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It’s always fun to update your home to match the season at hand, and if you can do so with green goods it makes the whole process that much more fun. You don’t need to spend a lot (or spend anything if you’re inventive) to update your home with sun-inspired finds that help bring the outdoors inside. With so many companies jumping on the “green” bandwagon these days, you can find the perfect set of sheets or fun frame to fill with this season’s memories for every price range. So check out some of my favorite finds, sit back and get ready to welcome summer in to your home!

If you’re looking for attractive mainstream furniture and accessories with a green twist, you need look no further than your local Pottery Barn. For the past few years Pottery Barn has focused on the impact their business has on the environment and has started operating under a series of Environmental Commitments.

From increasing the percentage of recycled post-consumer waste in their packaging to developing products that use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, Pottery Barn has restructured their business to reflect a growing corporate concern for the environment. Look for the “Earth Friendly” logo on the Pottery Barn website – products marked with this label have been designed and developed using reclaimed and sustainable materials that include FSC-certified wood and organic fabrics.

OK, let me start by admitting that yes, I love luxurious sheets and I also love the color green. I can’t help it, but when I see bedding like these Tonal Stripe 400-Count Organic Sheet Sets (to the left), I want to run out and buy them immediately. And while I can’t afford to drop $119 on a Full Sheet Set, I’m hoping that someone out there reading this can! If you’re a sheet fan like me, you might also like Pottery Barn’s Boathouse Stripe Organic Duvet Cover & Sham, or their Botanical Embroidered Organic Quilt & Sham in Porcelain Blue.

It’s also no secret that I am a big fan of Viva Terra – an eco-friendly store that sells clothing, jewelry, furniture, garden goods and accessories to beautify green-loving homes. If you’re looking for something quirky and different to display on an end table or desktop, consider these granite Owls. You can get a set of 2 for $75, or buy 1 large owl for $95. I also like the Porthole Mirror Collection (comes in a set of 5 mirrors). With frames crafted from naturally aged, sustainable sheesham wood, these funky mirrors will light up your house with their shine. While pricey at $369 for the set, these mirrors are sure to last a lifetime and have been manufactured in a manner that hasn’t harmed the Earth.

If you’re looking for something to serve your summer visitors, try tea – and use Gaiam’s Pressed Leaves Tea Set to do the serving. This handmade celadon pottery set comes from Thailand and includes a teapot, 4 teacups and a wooden tray to pull it all together. This $40 tea set is finished with lead-free glaze, and the product is manufactured under guidelines established by the Fair Trade Federation. And if you really want to set the mood while you sip your tea, check out these Handblown Glass Lanterns for $18 apiece. Handcrafted in Georgia, these one-of-a-kind lanterns come in blue, ruby or amber.

I know how challenging it can be to wade through the masses of stuff available online – there are so many well-made, eco-friendly, interesting products out there that deciding exactly what to buy can bring about a certain paralysis when it comes to making decisions. I hope that my pointing out a few of my favorite goods here helps you make your own decisions, and that you’re able to pick up a few new pieces to really spruce up your home this season without breaking the bank.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

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With more and more people turning to environmentally-friendly products these days, finding vendors who sell all you need is key to successful green shopping. While it may seem romantic to visit 15 different merchants when shopping, most of us don’t have the time, the energy or the inclination to do so. Plus, driving around the suburbs to buy all you need from a variety of stores isn’t really eco-friendly!

To help you out I’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly online marketplaces where you can find all kinds of home-goods in one location. These marketplaces act as the “middle-men” for eco-friendly vendors, and ship the goods right to your doorstep – thereby saving you the trouble of driving around and wasting fuel. So sit back, click some links and get your eco-shopping done from the comfort of your home – it’ll save you time and resources, and may just help save the planet!

Gaiam – If you’ve been reading this site for any length of time, you’re probably already familiar with Gaiam – I write about it all the time! And while I’m not always thrilled with some of Gaiam’s methods (most of what they sell is not made in the USA), they do offer a tremendous selection of furniture, home furnishings, clothing, accessories and gift items that are sourced and manufactured with green processes. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company strives to offer “Conscious Commerce,” and is “a provider of information, goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development.” Look to Gaiam if you want eco-friendly yoga clothes and tools, outdoor furniture, or light fixtures.

3R Living – Billed as “Future Friendly Products,” the goods sold on the 3RLiving website have been “carefully selected with the principles of reducing waste, reusing unwanted or discarded materials, and recycling in mind.” Founded by Samantha Delman-Caserta and Mark Caserta in 2004, this Brooklyn-based business offers a selection of home goods, accessories and gifts to enhance the most eco-friendly of homes. The budget-conscious can find inexpensive goods to meet their needs on the 3RLiving site too – there’s a section for goods under $10, $20 and $50.

Organic Bug – Organic Bug is a funky online gift store that offers a decent selection of Organic, Hand-Made, Sustainable, Fair Trade, Made in the USA, and All Natural clothing, accessories, cosmetics, personal care products and outdoor goods. The company’s mission is to help people use their purchasing power as a vote for social and environmental change – i.e. – put their money where their mouth is! The company has all kinds of green initiatives that they have incorporated into their operating principles, and is obviously putting their green philosophies into action in how they run their business. Check out Organic Bug if you’re looking for bamboo clothing, unique home decor, or eco-friendly garden products.

Adili – When Adam Smith founded Adili, he did so with the thought of opening a department store filled with eco-goods. Stocked with goods from over 80 eco-designers from around the world, Adili sells clothing, accessories, shoes, home goods, and beauty products to suit your every eco-need. You can also purchase goods from Adili’s line – Own-Label – which have been sourced and manufactured with Fair Trade, organic, and ethical practices. Committed to the principles of ethical eco-chic fashion, Adili’s website includes a section dedicated to their philosophies and practices. Shop here if you’re looking for fun, fashionable and somewhat funky clothes, shoes and jewerly for the whole family.

EcoMall – While the EcoMall website isn’t as flashy or stylish as some of the other online eco-marketplaces, it’s jam-packed with practical information about all kinds of eco-products and companies. More a directory of green goods and websites than an online marketplace, EcoMall has pages upon pages of green, organic, Fair Trade and eco-friendly vendors and merchants who sell everything from magazines to furniture, aromotherapy products to alternative energy, appliances to clothing. So while EcoMall may not exactly fall into the “One-Stop Shopping” category, it can point you in the direction of almost anything you need that’s green.

Feel free to write in and let me know if you have a favorite online marketplace where you buy your everyday green goods. Finding great sites like this is an ongoing challenge, and I would love to offer your suggestions to my readers!

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Have you ever wondered what you should do with the old pills in your medicine cabinet? Or do you remember being told that you should just flush old prescription drugs down the drain, or flush them away when they had expired? If so, you’re not alone. Until recently, the disposal of prescription drugs has been little considered by federal or state governments, and as a result, tons of antibiotics, mood stabilizers, heart medications, hormones, and other drugs have landed in our water and our soil.

If you’re looking for the nation’s official policy on how to dispose of all those old pills littering your medicine cabinet, you might turn to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Established in 1998, this office’s principle purpose is to determine the policies, priorities, and objectives of the nation’s drug control program; the handing and disposal of prescription drugs falls under that broad umbrella.

The official recommendations published by the federal government include 3 options. You can flush your pills down the toilets ( if directed to do so by the drug’s label), you can call your county or city household trash and recycling services, and ask if they have a community drug reclamation program, or you can follow their instructions to throw away pills in the garbage.

To throw away your drugs, the fact sheet states that you should place your old pills in a sealable container (like a Tupperware container with a lid), add an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter, and place the container in the bottom of your trash barrel – making sure that it’s out of sight and doesn’t contain any information about you or the medications contained therein. The video above was produced by the office to assist people in understanding the drug disposal process.

I was a little disappointed with the information provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy – they didn’t provide any background information on why drugs need to be disposed of in these manners, nor did they address the environmental implications of disposing of drugs improperly.? I was also dismayed that they didn’t provide a list of state, country or local offices that run drug take-back programs, websites directing people to learn more, or links back to the EPA’s research on the matter.

To learn more, I visited the EPA’s website and found a section focused on educating people about the harm caused by Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCP) to the environment and people. The EPA is quick to point out that PPCPs are turning out in increasing amounts in our water supply, but they’re not so forthcoming when it comes to linking PPCPs and harm to human health. The EPA does stress however, that placing PPCPs into the sewage system (via flushing them down the toilet or pouring them down the sink) does have uncertain risks.

The nation’s water treatment system is not equip to handle the removal of PPCPs, and any contamanents placed into the system have the potential to disrupt the overall health of our water treatment and processing facilitites. At the same time, there has been scant evidence suggesting the increased concentration of antibiodics in our water system has caused some antibiodic-resisdent disease strains in aquatic organisms.

Since the concentrations of drugs in our drinking water remains low however, the public and environmental health impact of dumped drugs is not yet fully known. So while it’s troubling to think about throwing medicine in the garbage, there’s little research out there suggesting that doing so could cause environmental harm. My concern on this matter is that landfills leak and pollute ground water; since there’s little in the way of established research on this matter however, the best course of action today is to follow the government’s advice.

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Solar seems to be making waves in big business these days. As more and more companies strive to cut costs and reduce operating expenses, it seems that some have finally realized the economic viability of harassing free energy from the sun.

While it is true that installing solar arrays can be prohibitively expensive for small and medium sized businesses, bigger companies (who use more energy) have access to the resources necessary to make these concepts a reality. What’s great about large companies going green and building renewable energy projects is that, in addition to reducing their use of fossil fuels, the companies are paving the way and (hopefully) lowering the cost of installing these kinds of power projects.

In Contra Costa County, California, one of Budweiser’s cold storage facilities was recently fitted with a 16kW DC solar installation. Designed and installed by Perpetual Power, the installation includes 2,240 185Wp Mitsubishi Electric polycrystalline photovoltaic modules. Once the system is fully up and running, it is expected to produce approximately 60% of the building’s power needs. By adding a solar array to this facility, Budweiser is expected to save $100,000 annually in energy costs.

It seems as if Budweiser isn’t the only one who has noticed the relationship between more sustainable energy sources and tangible financial savings. FedEx Freight has a 282 kilowatt solar power system at its Whittier, California location, and produces 414,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Alcoa – the mammoth Pittsburgh aluminum manufacturer installed a 588 kW, roof-mounted photovoltaic solar power system at one of its California locations in 2007. Stonyfield Farm has its own solar array too. Installed in 2005 at the company’s Londonderry, NH location, the company has a 50 kW solar photovoltaic array – the largest in New Hampshire.

Big businesses all over the country seem to be waking up to the realities of global warming, and rethinking how they do business. While a solar array here or a wind farm there might seem small in relation to how much we need to do to fight global warming, it’s important to remember that the tide is turning. Corporations tend to go where the money goes, so the fact that profitable businesses like Budweiser, Alcoa, FedEx and Stonyfield Farms are all using renewable energy to run their businesses, may mean that other big businesses aren’t too far behind.

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For the past few months now I’ve been working toward starting an agricultural business that will be powered by alternative energy, restored to meet green certification standards, and managed with the goal of achieving profitability through sustainable business practices. In order to understand what’s really involved in building a green business, I’ve spent all of my time learning about other organic businesses, researching alternative energy technologies, tracking down grants, loans and funding options, and pitching my project to anyone who would listen.

By centering my business around the concept of long-term environmental sustainability, I am standing up to the status quo, and making a statement that I will not compromise when it comes to doing what’s right by the environment. I know that building a green business from scratch isn’t cheap – I’ve done the research, and I know that it will cost me more to build sustainability into my business than it would were I to throw those philosophies aside.

Money isn’t everything, and I believe that by doing what’s good and what’s right, I can succeed and build the business of my dreams. And while I do understand the practical realities involved in starting a business, buying a farm, and installing all kinds of energy projects, I’m also learning that there are organizations out there who are dedicated to helping people like me grow these kinds of businesses.

A few weeks ago I received a message from a young man named Owen. In his message, Owen introduced himself, explained that he worked for a company called NativeEnergy, and stated that he had been given my business card at the Craft Brewer’s Convention a few weeks earlier. I had been at the Craft Brewer’s Convention (part of the business I am developing is a commercial hop farm), but didn’t recall meeting Owen, and had never heard of NativeEnergy.

Our "test crop" of hops.

NativeEnergy, I’ve since learned, is a carbon-solutions consulting company that helps business reduce their carbon footprint by selling carbon offsets and renewable energy credits, and also by investing in companies that want to install renewable energy projects. Having heard of my plan from my Development Officer (aka “mom”), Owen contacted me to learn more about my project and offer ideas on how NativeEnergy and I could work together.

Founded in 2001, NativeEnergy is based out of Burlington, Vermont, and has helped well-know companies, including Stonyfield Farm, Timberland, and The Dave Matthews Band, to install renewable energy projects and offset carbon emissions. The company helps businesses understand their options when it comes to creating carbon neutral projects, and points organizations in the directions they need when it comes to the early development of their plans. At the same time, NativeEnergy works with carbon emitting businesses to help them offset their carbon pollution.

Since receiving that initial message from Owen, I’ve had 2 productive conversations about my business, NativeEnergy’s initiatives, and what I can do moving forward to try and develop my renewable energy projects to line up with NativeEnergy’s model. And even though I’m still in the early stages of building my business (I don’t even own land yet), the people I’ve talked to have been helpful, enthusiastic and eager to see me succeed. It amazes me that there is a business out there who contacted me, who wants to help me, and who may eventually play a role in actually financing my dream!

When I realized that I had to build this farm, and do it in the greenest manner possible, I empowered myself to challenge the way business has always been done, and make change happen from the bottom up.? So even though I don’t have a farm yet, I’ve already invested time and energy in figuring out what I need to make my farm sustainable. Building a business like this – with a mind to what REALLY matters – is a win-win situation. By planning for the long-term health of the earth and environment, I think that I am planning for the long-term success of my business and my vision.

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I’ve noticed an abundance of reusable shopping bags being offered everywhere I go lately. The Massachusetts General Hospital Blood Donor Center handed over an attractive tote after I handed over a pint, the Craft Brewer’s Convention passed out their conference goodies in sturdy beige bags, and every grocery store I visit has cheap bags offered right at the register. Hooray! Perhaps the tide is finally turning.

I’ve found a whole new batch of cute totes and reusable bags that can be used to haul groceries, books, laundry, gifts, lunches and any other smallish-items you might be inclined to carry around. And remember, the easier you make it on yourself to incorporate reusable bags into your life, the easier it will be to make meaningful changes to your actions. So keep grocery bags in your car – you don’t need them in the kitchen! Carry small totes in your purse or bag, and buy the cheap ones when you leave home without your favorites. Remember, you can always give away bags you buy but don’t necessarily love.

If you’re one of those special people who likes to gift their friends with beer, or if you include six-packs as part of your picnic supplies, you might like these Bottle Bags from Reisenthel. These sturdy canvas bags fit up to 9 bottles, and are designed so the bottles don’t tip over or bang against wach other while being carried. These Fair Trade/Fair Labor bags are affordable and can be purchased at Reusable Bags for between $13.50 and $15.00 a piece.

When it comes to Reisenthel products, I also really like the Market Basket. Designed to resemble a basic grocery store basket, these aluminum-frame baskets are designed to carry up to 55 pounds of goods. I have seen people using these baskets at my local farmer’s market, and love the fact that they are structured and supportive enough to carry everything from containers of liquids to bunches of flowers or plants. The colorful patterns help too! You can find these baskets for about $35 on the Reusable Bag site.

Lunch bags don’t need to boring – at least that’s what I discovered when I stumbled on the Built NY website. Crafted from Neoprene (the material used to make most wetsuits), Gourmet Getaway Lunch Totes are insulated lunch bags that will keep your food and drinks cold for about 4 hours after being packed. The bags all have zip closures (so nothing gets in or out!), and are machine washable. Built NY sells the bags in a range of colors and patterns for between $22.00 and $25.00 on their website.

If you’re looking to do away with those plastic sandwich bags in your life,? you might like these funny ReUsies Snack Bags. Developed by a group of moms in Seattle, ReUsies are meant to replace plastic sandwich and snack bags. Both the small snack bags and the larger sandwich bags come in a range of kid-friendly and just plain patterns and colors. These bags are made from 100% cotton, and lined with PVC-free nylon. You can machine wash all ReUsies products, and feel good that by using these bags you’re keeping plastic from ever entering your landfill. The bags are a deal too, especially when compared to conventional plastic baggies that carry so many lunches to offices and schools everyday.

Remember, if you make the process of changing your eco-habits fun and enjoyable, you’ll be more likely to stick to the plan. Carry bags that suit your personal style. Buy enough bags to stash at home, in the car, at the gym, in your office – wherever you think you might need them! I buy groceries while working sometimes, so I try and keep at least 2 bags in my desk drawer there. Reusable bags don’t have to be a burden – with the right colors, the perfect patterns, and a collection of bags suited to your needs, you’ll always be both stylish and eco-chic!

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For years now I have struggled to find shampoos and conditioners that work for my ultra-sensitive hair and skin, but also leave my hair soft and shiny. When I was a teenager I realized that my scalp wasn’t able to handle my applying the same shampoos and conditioners for extended periods of time – if I did, I always ended up with weird red bumps and and itchy scalp – no fun! Because of this condition (which I never bothered to really research), I started using organic and all natural hair care products in college and have never looked back.

Over the years the selection of organic shampoos and conditioners has grown significantly – which is great since after using all of the shampoo from a bottle, I HAVE to switch brands! I can remember when there were only 3 or 4 options on the market, and I would rotate between them, hoping that my scalp wouldn’t break out while doing so.

With so many new choices cropping up all the time, I thought I would point out a few of my favorite brands and help others of you who are looking for organic hair care products that are affordable, don’t contain petrochemicals and toxic fragrances, and aren’t tested on animals.

My favorite brand currently has to be Alba Botanicals. Made with papaya, jojoba, sunflower seed, macadamia and kukui nut oils, the Alba Hair Care line leaves your hair silky smooth and also smelling like a tropical rain forest. I especially like the Mango Moisturizing Hair Wash and Conditioner (both of which are infused with vitamin-rich pineapple and papaya extracts), and love the way my hair feels when it’s clean and dry. Alba Botanicals is one of the primary product lines of Avalon Natural Products – a company with a long-standing commitment to creating environmentally sustainable products.

I am also partial to Avalon Organics hair care products, which happen to also be a part of the Avalon Natural Products product line. Oddly, I had no idea that the shampoos were made by the same company until I started researching the brands just now. I’ve been using Avalon Organics for a few years now, and have tried their Lavender Nourishing, Lemon Clarifying, Rosemary Volumizing and Peppermint Revitalizing products – and I love them all. The Peppermint shampoo and conditioner are especially pungent and help wake me up when I step into the shower still half in dreamland.

If you’re looking for a great company that makes eco-sensitive products for your hair (and skin), Avalon Natural Products might be the company you’ve been waiting to find. Not only are their products affordable (about $8 per bottle for both shampoo and conditioner), but they also have a commitment to the environment which they take the time to spell out on their corporate website. The company is reducing their carbon footprint at every level of their business, and is also dedicated to investing in their local community.

Another love of mine are the shampoos and conditioners made by the good people at Burt’s Bees. While I have been a fan of Burt’s Bees skincare products (specifically their Coconut Foot Cream, Beeswax Moisturizing Day Cream and Radiance Eye Cream) for years, I only recently discovered their shampoos and conditioners. I must admit that I’m partial to the Color Keeper Green Tea & Fennel Seed Shampoo and Conditioner – the products have an aroma that arouses nostalgic feelings in me, and I always smile when I smell it on my hair! The company also carries several other shampoos and conditioners with flavors such as Grapefruit & Sugar beet, and Raspberry & Brazil Nut. Almost good enough to eat!

I am relatively certain that Burt’s Bees does a lot of good work when it comes to the environment, but was unable to confirm so when researching this post. For whatever reason the website would not allow me to access the company’s “About Us” page or their Media/News pages…

Other brands you might consider checking out include: Nature’s Gate, Kiss My Face, Jason Natural Products, Aveda, Lush, and The Body Shop. I’ve used shampoo and conditioner from each company – except for Lush – and highly recommend them all. Lush is next on my list, so stayed tuned for an update about the handmade organic skin and hair care products from them. Here’s to the never-ending search for the perfect eco-friendly hair care products!