This weekend, I have the honor of attending the Natural Products Expo, courtesy of Seventh Generation.  Ironically, I first learned of the conference last year from my husband.  Over the past few years he’s really become supportive of my efforts to live a healthier, greener lifestyle.  Very soon we’ll be launching Raising Generation Green…a venture born out of my passion for raising eco-conscious children.

Expo West is “the world’s premier trade show for the natural, organic and healthy products industry.” By attending, I hope to come away with fresh ideas on how to live sustainably.  I’m also thrilled about the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Alan Greene (again!).

Stay tuned…I’ll be guest posting on Seventh Generation’s blog after the event.  And if you want to keep up with the Expo happenings on Twitter, just follow @natprodexpo and @SeventhGen (the hashtag for the conference is #ExpoWest).

Seventh Generation provided a show floor pass, meals, and covered costs related to the event.  No other compensation was received and the experiences are authentically mine.

I remember when grocery stores first started moving towards reusable bags.  The branded canvas totes offered by these stores were dull, but aimed to save our environment from the harmful effects of plastic.

Today, many companies are getting creative and offering reusable bags that you’d want to use for more than just groceries.  Radley London, a British company offering handbags and accessories, recently introduced a gorgeous line of Recycled Foldaway Totes. They’re more durable than I would imagine, given that they are very light in weight.  The bags are made from 100% recycled materials and fold away nicely into a zip-around patch.  They’re quite roomy, but I need a few of these to carry all my groceries.

As a mom, I appreciate the fact that the bag is durable enough to be used for groceries and fashionable enough to use for other occasions.  The Recycled Foldaway Tote is available in three patterns/colors and retails for 20 British Pounds (approx. $35).  Matching handbags are also available on the site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

On most days, water is the only beverage I consume.  Several years ago, when I was on a weight loss plan, I learned that I could cut a LOT of calories by sticking to water.  I’m usually pretty good about sticking to water, but I do get tired of it.  And when I’m “over” water, I usually turn to something that’s not great for me.  Drinking water also sets a good example for my son, who would drink juice all day if I allowed it.

H2Organics offers flavorful, nutrient-enhanced waters to give you a healthy alternative to juices and sodas. The company makes “USDA certified organic nutrient enhanced water, containing specially selected blends of prenatal vitamins, minerals and nutrients.”  The waters are low in calories, carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium.  They’re also free from preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.  The company recently launched a line of prenatal and postantal nutrient waters and a kid’s line. The waters are made with multi-filtered reverse osmosis purified water.

The line for moms includes a Prenatal and Postnatal option.  Their Prenatal water (available in Mandarin Orange) contains Folate, Choline, B Vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium.  The key ingredient is folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects and aids in healthy and normal fetal development.  The 20 ounce bottle actually offers 2.5 servings but, realistically, it’s an amount most people could consume in one sitting.  The entire bottle packs 50% of the vitamins/minerals listed above.  It’s important to take that into consideration, since most pregnant women are also taking a prenatal vitamin.  I actually like the Prenatal version better than the Postnatal version.  It’s mildly sweet, unlike other electrolyte enhanced waters which tend to be too sweet. Even if you were to drink the entire bottle, you would only consume 100 calories and 25 grams of sugar (less than juices or soda).

The Postnatal water (available in Lime) contains B Vitamins, Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, and Fenugreek.  Fenugreek is used to increase milk supply and is the key nutrient that distinguishes this water from the Prenatal version.  The nutrients in this water also help to promote healthy glucose levels and maintain healthy digestion.  The caloric, sugar, and sodium content is the same.  I’m not crazy about the Lime flavor and I’d love to see the company develop both versions in additional flavors.  While I think that the waters are a great alternative to juice or soda, I would probably only consume one a day to avoid taking in too many vitamins and minerals.

I find it incredibly difficult to get my son to drink water.  My favorite product from H2Organics‘ line is their Kids’ Nutrient Enhanced Waters.  Each 6.75 ounce serving contains 40 calories, 10 mg of sodium, 10 grams of carbohydrates/sugar, 100% Vitamin C, and 5% Calcium.  They’re available in three flavors (Grape Berry, Strawberry Apple, and Orange Tangerine) and my son drank them the first week we got them.  I only wish the kids’ waters included more vitamins/minerals.

You can find H2Organics at Whole Foods, Toys R Us, and Babies R Us.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

One of the things I really appreciated about moving into our home last year was the opportunity to decorate my son’s room.  I really enjoyed having our little boy close to us (and most nights he still ends up in our bed at some point during the night) but it was nice to finally move him to his own room.  And because it was something new for him, we needed to build up the excitement so he didn’t view it as something negative (which it isn’t).  We (ahem…my husband) painted it this vibrant shade of blue and put up train decals and a chalkboard and did some other fun things to make the room come alive.

We were recently introduced to a fun, creative, and interactive way to decorate a child’s room.  Wallables are “a Soy-Based Foam Collection of 3-Dimensional Children’s Wall Décor.”   They come in both letters and animals and add some color, music, and depth to a child’s room.  They’re derived from soy beans (which means they’re eco-friendly) and easily attach (and are just as easily removed) to walls, doors, ceilings, etc. (anywhere really!).  The product actually uses a Velcro patch (which my son quickly figured out how to remove from the walls) but I haven’t had any difficulty with it taking paint off the walls.  We (my son and I both) really like how soft and squishy they are.

We received Aero the Airplane which includes a cute little cloud!  The face glows at night and it plays music when pushed.  Children will bask in their bright colors, and the fact that they glow in the dark and play music. Parents will appreciate the multi-sensory stimulation offered by the products.  Wallables “encourage babies and children to explore and grow accustomed to different surfaces and textures.”

The company recently partnered with the Dow Chemical Company to produce a safe and eco-friendly product for families while reducing their carbon footprint.  You can purchase Wallables online and prices range from $7.95 (letters) to $21.45.  Soon they’ll be launching their Disney line (which I’m very excited about!).

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by! The winner is Lisa, congrats!

Every time I purchase a product, I read the labels.  Whether it’s food or shampoo or diapers…I want to know what chemicals my family is being exposed to.  I think sometimes I drive my husband a bit crazy.  But if I’m going to spend the money on something AND use it either in or on our bodies, I want it to be safe.  One of the companies who’s products I use and have been very impressed with is Seventh Generation.  We use their cleaning products, my son wears their diapers (because everything else gives him a rash), and I use their feminine hygiene products (um, when I’m not pregnant!).

I’m constantly amazed by this company who is now fighting to make our nation’s chemical law (which is outdated) stricter so that our children grow up in a safe world.   Million Baby Crawl (sponsored by Seventh Generation,in partnership with Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families) is an initiative “to help educate and empower parents to raise their voices for stronger standards on toxic chemicals.” The goal of this campaign is to present the Kids Safe Chemical Act to Washington and if passed, would require that chemical manufacturers conduct safety testing before a chemical is used in products.

You might be interested in the following facts:

• In the 33 years since Congress passed that nation’s chemical regulatory law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA), the Environmental Protection Agency has required testing on just 200 of the more than 80,000 chemical compounds developed for products used in the home.
• Under the current law, the EPA does not have the authority to demand the information it needs to evaluate a chemical’s risk, and neither manufacturers nor the EPA are required to prove a chemical’s safety as a condition of use.
• 1.25 million kids younger than six are unintentionally poisoned in the home each year by things like cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, pain relievers and cough and cold medicines (American Association of Poison Control Centers)
• Studies show that nearly 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants have been found in the umbilical cord blood of newborns (EWG).

I’ve already created my “crawler” on the site.  Will you join me?

Win It! One of you will win a Seventh Generation starter kit to help you get rid of the toxic chemicals in your home.  Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on Million Baby Crawl.  Comments will close on November 4, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.  Please use the hashtag #mbcrawl

Create a crawler and share with a friend

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Shannon B.  Congrats!

Sometimes I’ll try “green” products and find them to be less effective than their counterparts.  But there are a few staples we use in our household that I trust to do what they say they’re going to do.  Green Works is one such brand.  We’ve actually been using the products from the line since they launched and have been very happy with their effectiveness.  During BlogHer, Green Works had a booth set up and we learned about the introduction of their new laundry care line.

New out this year is a Natural Laundry Detergent available in a original, lavender, and free and clear scents, and a Natural Laundry Stain Remover available in an original scent.  Just like Green Works’ cleaning products, their laundry care line is made with natural, plant-based cleaning ingredients without phosphate or bleach. Here is a little more information from the site:

Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent and Green Works Natural Laundry Stain Remover have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for Environment (DfE) program. The laundry products are also dermatologist-tested and clean without leaving harsh chemical residue.  The products are formulated using biodegradable cleaning ingredients, are packaged in recyclable bottles and not tested on animals.

I appreciate the clear list of ingredients both on the bottle and on the site.  We received both products in their original scents to try out. I like my laundry detergent to have a light, fresh scent…not overpowering or nauseating…but enough to know my clothes are clean.  I like the light scent my clothes have after being washed in this detergent.  I also like how clean and fresh my clothes look and smell.  When my son was a baby, he was very sensitive to scents, so I will switch over to the free and clear version when our baby is born.

As far as the stain remover is concerned, it works well on new stains.  I’ve tried a multitude of products to remove old stains on my son’s clothes that refuse to come out….without a lot of success.  We’re resorted to using those clothes as play clothes.  It’s always recommended to try to remove stains when they’re fresh.  I’ve learned that lesson thanks to a stack of play clothes my son now has in his drawer.

I’ve heard many friends and family members state that they’d like to go green, but can’t afford it.  Green Works is making it affordable for consumers to go green. The Laundry Detergent is available at retailers nationwide for $8.79 (45 ounces, 30 loads) and $15.49 (90 ounces, 60 loads).  The Stain Remover retails for $3.69.  Both products can be used in standard and high efficiency washers (swoon!).

Win It! One of you will a Green Works Laundry Detergent, Green Works Stain Remover, and a Green Works Laundry Bag so you can check them out for yourself.  Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on the site, or a cleaning product you’d like to try (other than the laundry care line).  Comments will close on October 22, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Pregnancy, children, and age have caused me to take a closer look at the foods my family consumes and the products we use on our bodies and in our homes.  I’m reading more labels, doing more research, and opting for greener, more natural products.  What I use on my body is as important as what I consume, particularly because I’m pregnant.

Many years ago, I switched from aluminum-based antiperspirants to all-natural deodorants.  After trying several at Whole Foods, I settled on the Toms of Maine’s Long-Lasting Care in Apricot.  Some women don’t perspire as much as others.  I am not one of those women.  So while I found that I stayed dry and odor-free for a good part of the day, I always need to re-apply at the end of the day (more for odor as opposed to wetness).  Recently, I had an opportunity to try the company’s New Long Lasting Deodorant Stick.  It claims to offer 24 hour odor protection (as opposed to 12 hour) in three ways:

1. Hops inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial action of hops inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria while reducing the possibility of skin irritation.
2. Zinc ricinoleate binds up odor molecules. Sourced from castor beans, zinc ricinoleate traps and absorbs bad smells
3. Long-lasting natural fragrance blocks odor.

Initially, I wasn’t sure that I noticed a difference between the two products.  But I think that a person’s body requires time to adjust, and I actually find myself using the New Long Lasting Deodorant Stick over the Long-Lasting Care.  I actually prefer the new scents as well, especially the Mountain Spring.  If you visit the site, you’ll get a run-down of each ingredient in the deodorant (and all their products for that matter) including their purpose.

Another product I never thought too much about was toothpaste.  Most on the market contain the active ingredient fluoride, designed to prevent cavities.  But what about the inactive ingredients?  I never paid much attention to them.  Until recently. That tube of Crest toothpaste contains things like Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol , Glycerin , Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate , PEG-6 , Disodium Pyrophosphate , Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate , Flavor , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , Alcohol 1.14% , Xanthan Gum , Sodium Saccaharin , Carbomer 956 , Polysorbate 80 , Sodium Benzoate , Cetylpyridinium Chloride , Benzoic Acid , Domiphen Bromide .0002 wt% , Titanium Dioxide , Blue 1 , Yellow 5.  All of these are “inactive” ingredients, but what are they really doing?

Thanks to Tom’s of Maine, I was able to try their Maximum Strength Sensitive Fluoride Toothpaste and their Natural Whole Care Toothpaste.  I tend to be a little neurotic when it comes to dental hygiene.  I brush twice a day, floss every night, and have never had a cavity in my life.  I also tend to “over brush” my teeth and gums, which means I’m sensitive to cold and sweet foods.  Neither of the products I tried hurt my teeth and I don’t find that I have any problems with odor after using them. Their Maximum Strength Sensitive Toothpaste is “the first all-natural toothpaste with naturally-sourced potassium nitrate to help soothe sensitivity and prevent cavities.”  Their Whole Care Toothpaste has the added benefits of tartar control and whitening.

All of the products made by Toms of Maine are made without artificial ingredients or artificial preservatives.  They use recycled packaging and environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Toms of Maine’s products are available Whole Foods, Target, Walgreens and retailers nationwide.

“Mommy, mommy…I want you to make a fish!”  My son absolutely loves to color…rather…he loves when mommy and daddy color!  It’s cute but something I never expected.  I always thought children enjoyed doing the actual coloring.  And it’s not like my son doesn’t enjoy coloring.  He just finds the pictures that we draw a little more entertaining than his “drawings.”  As a mom concerned about the safety of children’s products, I’m always looking for natural, eco-friendly alternatives to toys and crafts.  Now I know most crayons are non-toxic, but what exactly does that mean?

I recently had an opportunity to try out a pack of Soy Crayon Rocks from Nico & Zoe.  What makes the crayons safer is the fact that they’re made from renewable soybeans (hey…I eat those) grown in the USA and are colored with natural mineral powders.  They’re nontoxic, just like conventional crayons.  But somehow I feel a bit better if my son were to eat these.  Each bag comes with 16 crayon rocks in a variety of colors.  I like that they’re chunky…perfect for toddlers like my son who like to break regular crayons into pieces.  According to the site, they’re easy to hold (I agree) and encourage a proper pencil grip to help develop fine motor skills.  I like the way they color…nice and smooth!  Of course, my little Picasso doesn’t know the difference at this point.

You can purchase Soy Crayon Rocks directly from the site for $8.00.  And be sure to check out the entire site.  They sell a variety of toys, games, and other fun products for children.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

Do you use a reusable bag?  If not, you may want to consider it.  The site, Reusablebags.com has a fantastic article detailing the true cost of those free plastic bags you receive at the grocery store.  Plastic bags take a LONG time to breakdown (as in 1,000 years) and they’re littering our waters and landfills.  That is why I “tote” a reusable bag with me to the grocery store.  Reusable bags are now affordable, convenient to find, and dare I say…chic?

Chic Blvd has an adorable selection of reusable shopping bags that won’t make you look crunchy!  Blue is my favorite color, so I’ve been sporting the Eggshell Shopping Bag on my Whole Foods excursions.  Don’t I look fabulous?  (hehe!)

The bag is very sturdy and large enough to fit a lot of groceries.  These days I make small shopping trips because I can’t carry a ton of bags (due to pregnancy restrictions).  This bag is perfect for those trips.  If blue isn’t  your color, the company offers an array of totes in gorgeous colors and prints.  Just visit their boutique! Their stylish reusable totes retail for $18.00 and can be purchased directly from the site.

And if you’re wondering about paper, it’s really no better.  According to the American Forest and Paper Association, Americans use 10 billion paper shopping bags, thereby consuming 14 million trees.  So just do it!  Go reusable!

My son has discovered the fine art of coloring…and painting….and markers…and chalk.  Our laminate floors are often colored with a new shade (fortunately crayons are the only things we allow him to use in that room).  While our little artist discovers the Van Gogh within him, I’m checking the boxes to make sure the bite he took won’t send us all to the ER.  I can’t believe at two, he’s still trying to discover (in other words, consume) crayons.

The crunchy part of me loves natural alternatives to conventional products.  I know crayons are non-toxic.  But what about paint, markers, and play dough?  Don’t get me wrong.  We do have all of these products in our home.  But how exciting that Clementine Art is going the extra mile to ensure it’s art products are all-natural, certified non-toxic, AND environmentally friendly.  They also use recycled and reusable materials in their packaging.

The company offers soy crayons, natural modeling dough, natural paint, natural markers, and natural glue.  My son likes his soy crayons but he’d much rather have mommy draw a fish and a car.  His latest is that he wants daddy to draw a pirate on the Wonder Pets Flyboat (where does he come up with this stuff?).  You can purchase Clementine Art’s products at a Whole Foods near you!  Check out their podcast here.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!