Daily Greenz #52

This kimono-style outfit for newborns is probably the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. It has snap sides, which makes changing your baby easy, and it’s made of 100% organic cotton, with no pesticides or chemicals used during the production process.

And, according to giggle.com, this outfit is made allergy-free or of non-toxic materials, so it’s perfectly safe for your newborn. Giggle.com subjects its products to rigorous screening processes, so you can feel good about ordering your baby supplies from them.

Check out this kimono ($32) and other cool accessories and baby products at giggle.com.

Daily Greenz #51

In the day and age of instant gratification, even changing the world is getting to be a snap. 18 seconds is all it takes to change a regular light bulb for a compact florescent light (CFL) bulb, which can last up to 10 times longer, and save you and the world a ton of money and energy! These Energy Star bulbs use less energy and provide that same amount of light as a standard bulb. In fact, if every person in the U.S. switched just one bulb for a CFL bulb, it would altogether save more than $8 billion in energy costs, eliminate the need to burn 30 billion pounds of coal, and effectively remove 2 million cars’ worth of gas emissions from our atmosphere. So do your part in slowing down global warming by buying one from any local store that sells light bulbs or check out our lighting section to buy them online. Want to know how many others in the U.S. are buying CFL bulbs and changing the world, state by state? Visit 18seconds.org to see how your state ranks.

Daily Greenz #50

If you’re a victim of sleepless night, then Sleep Aid Wellness Oil may be just the answer for you. Made from a vegan blend of 100% natural essential oils, its blended aroma of lavender and sandalwood promises to lure you into a peaceful sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Apply to the shoulders and wrists before slipping into bed, and you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed than you have in years. For those of you who don’t lie awake, obsessively ticking off tomorrow’s to-do list in your head, you might find the other Wellness Oils at nature’s Inventory useful for ailments such as migraines, high blood pressure, or just plain old exhaustion. These 2 oz. bottles can be bought for $14.95 at naturesinventory.com.

Daily Greenz #49

Terra Plana has been making a huge splash in London with their eco-friendly, stylish, and extremely comfortable line of men’s and women’s shoes. Made from recycled materials, their flexible soles make even their high heels a pleasure to wear. Their new line of fall/winter shoes also includes a new project called Sole of Africa. The program’s purpose is to support AIDS orphans in South Africa by teaching unemployed local women to hand-paint the shoes, guaranteeing that each pair is completely unique. Approximately $4.50 of the proceeds of every sale will be donated to charity. In recognition of such efforts, Terra Plana snared the Observer Ethical Award for 2007. Grab yourself a pair for $90 and up at terraplana.com.

Daily Greenz #48

Even elephants are now getting in on the green scene. These mammoth creatures play a central role in the sustainable cycle of creating all natural paper. And when I say all natural, I mean that literally. The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company has hit upon the ingenious idea of taking elephant dung (replete with fibrous material) and employing local artisans to handcraft it into paper prod
ucts, such as stationary, journals, notebooks, and cards. Because they use an old, local technique of drying and washing the dung before processing it, the paper is completely scent-free. Best of all, a percentage of the profits goes right into the elephants welfare and conservation programs, ensuring that they are well-fed and healthy. And that is nothing to pooh-pooh about. Load up on some great holiday gifts for $10.99 and up at poopoopaper.com.

Daily Greenz #47

Did you know that food production ranks as the second-biggest consumer of fossil fuels after automobiles? Or how about the fact that 75% of all antibiotics used in the United States go towards animal feeding operations? In Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver reveals some unsettling information about food consumption today, as well as the government’s role in endorsing certain ingredients that lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and malnutrition. Her book is not so much an exposé as it is an example of how you can lead a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to grow and enjoy the real taste of food. She recounts her experience of picking up her family and moving them to a family farm in Virginia to become locavores- people who only eat locally grown food. For the naysayers who argue that it’s too expensive and time-consuming to do this, she offers tons of practical advice on how to achieve the lifestyle no matter your financial situation. Learn how to become the next locavore for $16.17 at amazon.com.

Daily Greenz #46

1. If you haven’t put much thought into where you get your turkey, consider buying yourself a holiday bird that’s organic and pasture-raised. We’re talking about the heritage turkey, which is bred naturally, allowing its meat to develop slowly over time. The result is a juicier, more succulent-tasting
turkey. Pick one up at Fairway Market or online at heritagefoods.com.   

2. Don’t toss the turkey fat! Instead, see if your city has a collection service that will pick it up. That’s what the city of Plano did last year before handing it over Biodiesel Industries, a Texas-based plan that recycles turkey fat into biofuels for cars. Who knew fat could be a good thing? Check out www.biodieselindustries.com/ for more information.

3. If you plan on driving to your family dinner, make sure to check your air filter and that your tires are fully inflated. By doing both, you’ll decrease your carbon emissions and get better gas mileage. On the other hand, if you plan on flying, consider purchasing carbon credits to make up for it. Visit www.carbonplanet.com/home/shop.php for more information.

Daily Greenz #45

These pretty candles are cool for two reasons: first, they’re made out of real aromatic beeswax. Second, they’re lined with real leaves that glow when lit. Grab a couple for the last of those cozy fall evenings.

Available in medium and large for $18 at vivaterra.com . 

Daily Greenz #44

For those wiling to venture away from Ikea when it comes to home furnishing, this adorable, boxy loveseat is a perfect addition to an eco-chic living space. It’s made of 100% hemp canvas upholstery and organic cotton batting, as well as a hardwood frame from sustainably managed American forests.

Each piece is hand-crafted to order and measures 33" x32" x 56." Aside from the elegant chocolate colot pictured above, the loveseat is also available in natural and black.

So, if your leather couch is giving you nightmares, replace it with this cool piece. At $3,400, it’s certainly  not cheap, but your conscience and the environment will thank you. For more information, visit greenhome.com.

Daily Greenz #43

Zonbu is a cigar-box shaped computer system that claims to save its subscribers up to $10 a month off their energy bill. Though it looks unassuming, this little box hooks up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and includes over 20 applications, including a word processor and internet, It uses the Linux operating system, which rivals Mac and Windows systems and has been growing in popularity, according to Sonbu’s creator, Gregoire Gentil.

This $12.95 monthly cost is an unavoidable downside, and is barely offset by the energy the device saves. The upside? Zonbu backs up your data as you go, so you don’t end up losing that project you have due at 9am. It’s also easy to navigate. Check out the prices–and definitely try out the tutorial–at zonbu.com.