It’s the most wonderful (shopping) time of the year.
[caption id="attachment_22959" align="alignright" width="199" caption="Grow your own gourmet mushrooms with this kit by Back to the Roots."]
[/caption]
Unless you fear being trampled by mall mobs, freezing to death while waiting in line for the 5 a.m. $39 Blu-Ray player special or being tasered during police crowd control maneuvers at the nearby Walmart.
This year, when it’s abundantly clear that we in the developed world need to consume responsibly, and there are more green gift options than ever — so many sustainable goods are hitting their stride — it makes sense to consider eco-friendly gifts, whenever and wherever possible.
Look for items that are made from renewable, recycled or reclaimed materials; for products that last and regenerate or even create their own energy (eco- can be eco-nomical); for things that sustain people in disadvantaged situations and for stuff that’s practical, even edible.
Your family may just discover that their eco-gifts are some of the most unique and wonderful surprises under the tree (or near the Menorah or whatever).
>> Read More
[caption id="attachment_15077" align="aligncenter" width="389" caption="Back-to-school may mean an empty house and a sad, stressed pet who will exact revenge on your carpet. Image: Arman Zhenikeyev / Dreamstime"]
[/caption]
Getting back to the back-to-school routine may be a pain for parents and students, but the family members most upset with the change may be the dog and cat.
All that attention and time and playing and going outside whenever he or she liked is yanked away and your pet may be very lonely and stressed by the change.
Their solution? Pee on the carpet or poop on the fancy rug. The unspoken message: That’ll show you not to leave me alone.
Now you’re searching for a stain- and odor-removing cleaner with safe, natural ingredients that pose no chemical threat to pets or people. Whether in the store or online, you’ll find many cleaners labeled “natural” or “eco-friendly” or “green,” but don’t always believe what you read.
[caption id="attachment_14697" align="alignright" width="174" caption="(Photo: Green Right Now | John Fadler)"]
[/caption]
If you’ve got a hound dog that tends to smell a little too earthy after outings, but you’re not willing to douse him with artificially perfumed products that you wouldn’t use yourself, then stay on the leash. We’ve found a product that should suit your eco-sensibilities and still help poochie smell like a prince.
From Green Right Now Reports
The U.S. EPA announced Wednesday that it is taking several steps to increase the safety of flea and tick treatments for pets, including requiring better labeling and instructions to prevent misuse. The agency also promises to subject new and existing products to stricter testing.
[caption id="attachment_9974" align="alignleft" width="138" caption="The EPA found that small dogs are more likely to have an adverse reaction to spot-on flea treatments."]
[/caption]
The move comes after hundreds of reports of pets falling ill, or even dying, nationwide after being treated with flea and tick treatments available on the consumer market. The agency reported that it logged more than 44,000 reports of bad reactions to topical flea and tick products in 2008, which was up considerably from the 28,000+ reported in 2007. The reactions included skin irritations, gastrointestinal problems that included vomiting and diarrhea and nervous system effects — trembling, seizures, depression.
>> Read More
By Ashley Phillips
Green Right Now
Coming in April, FAO Schwarz will begin carrying a new environmentally conscious brand, GREENZYS. This eco-friendly line carries books and toys that promote green living and teach sustainable practices to children.
GREENZYS founders, Lisa Keyser and Mark Lieber, have found a way to connect a child’s love for animals with a deep concern for the environment. For example, “Peat the Penguin” encourages kids to recycle, reuse, and reduce waste, while “Violet the Giraffe” teaches children to protect the environment by reducing their carbon “paw” print.