Sustainable Bedding
A few weeks ago I was doing laundry and a friend read the label and puzzlingly asked “Your sheets are organic?” I replied “Yes, they’re organic cotton.” A lot of people only think of food as being organic and don’t realize that natural fabrics come from crops, too.
There are several types of bed sheets such as Organic Cotton, Bamboo, Sateen, Linen, Birch, Hemp, Beech, and more. These sheets can be found in several stores and also online. Next time you need some new sheets, then please consider getting some sustainable bedding. We spend a lot of time in bed and being in a toxic-free bed is definitely worth it.
Klean Kanteen
The original BPA-free stainless steel water bottles are by Klean Kanteen. They started in 2004 as an alternative to plastic and lined aluminum bottles. Plastic bottles and the epoxy lining of aluminum bottles contain BPA (Bisphenol-A) which is a synthetic estrogen causing several health concerns.
I’ve talked to some people who said they tried other stainless steel water bottles and it had a metallic taste. I’ve been using a Klean Kanteen for a few years and I never noticed any taste at all. It tastes clean and crisp!
I really like the new Klean Kanteen reflect (pictured below). They are purely steel + silicone + bamboo. No paint or plastic. I totally want to get one, but I already have 3 kanteens.
Klean Kanteens come in several sizes, colors, caps, and mouth openings to choose from. They also make insulated bottles, baby bottles and wine carafes. I have used the same bottle for a few years and I don’t have any dings in it. They are light weight, highly rust resistant and will last a long time. Check out their site for all of their products.
Natural Carpets and Rugs
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Materials used in commercial carpet or rugs can cause health and environmental concerns. According to the EPA, chemicals in carpet can be a potential risk to reduce indoor air quality because of the emissions and VOC’s from the adhesives used in carpeting. The most common adhesive is Polypropylene which can cause health issues.
Choosing 100% Natural rugs like wool, jute, hemp, cotton, sisal, sea grass, etc… could ensure better air quality and reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals. Also, choose carpeting with natural rubber adhesive.
Natural fiber carpets and rugs may not be as soft or cushy as some synthetic carpeting. If you are just protecting the floor, then isn’t it worth it to live in a healthy environment?
EPA on Greening Your Carpet: http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/carpets2.htm
eco household lubricant
Last year I saw LubriMatic at the Go Green Expo and learned about their products. I got a small 2 oz bottle of their household oil to use on door hinges, etc… It worked ok and I like the idea of it being non-toxic, bio-based, earth friendly and biodegradable. I don’t know if it works as well as the petroleum based lubricants, but it is a good alternative.
LubriMatic Green™ biobased greases, oils and spray lubricants are professional grade, environmentally friendly products manufactured from renewable U.S.A. grown crops. LubriMatic Green products reduce friction, heat and wear better than petroleum based products and are safer to use.
Update: They have updated their brand to UltraLube http://www.ultralube.com or on facebook.
