Eco-Babyz 2013 Holiday Gift Guide: HOME & FAMILY

We have presented the Baby and Kids Gift Guides last week, today we're bringing you some hand picked goodies for Home & Family. There are some great unique gifts here that are versatile either for your own family or for those living near and far. These are products and services we stand behind and recommend based on our own experience or that of people we know. Some of these are economical, some are a splurge, but all of them worth the price tag. Feel free to let us know what other Home & Family gifts you have in mind in the comments!

Have kids? Check out the BABY Gift Guide and the KIDS Gift Guide! 

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MINTED

Do you have a new addition to the family? Loved ones far away that you would like to keep in touch with? You should check out Minted for their huge selection of custom stationary and options for keeping relatives and friends in the loop. They have adorable holiday birth announcements that are perfect if you've had a baby within the past few months. Their selection of Christmas photo cards is amazing, you'll find something to suit virtually any style. Not to mention other options like photography and art prints, custom notebooks, journals, and stationary. 

The cool thing about Minted is that all their products are designed by independent artists and designers and anyone can submit a design for the Minted community to vote on and add to the line-up. Pretty neat, isn't it?!

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MY ORGANIC HAVYNN

Have you ever wanted to give someone a gift basket only to discover it's full of toxic, chemical filled products? You would love My Organic Havynn natural and organic gift baskets! They have a basket for nearly every occasion that's thoughtfully filled with GMO-free, cruelty free, fair trade, organic and/or completely natural products. The gift baskets have sustainable packaging and the enclosure cards are made from earth-friendly seeded paper that when planted, will bloom with wildflowers! They carefully choose everything they place in these gift baskets and work with many brands we have previously featured here at Eco-Babyz. This gift shop is sweetly named after the founder's daughter.

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NOPLASTIC.CA

I'm sure you remember we've worked with NoPlastic.ca on many occasions. We love and still daily use the glass container, non-toxic diamond coated non-stick pan, and stainless ice cubes. If you know someone who has been putting off the switch from toxic plastic food containers to glass, stainless, or other safer alternatives - NoPlastic.ca has great options for healthy food storage. I absolutely love their selection of leak-proof food storage containers that can be so hard to find!

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NIELSEN-MASSEY

For the person on your list that enjoys baking, Nielsen-Massey offers a variety of high quality vanillas and flavors that infuse baked goods with delectable aromas. These pure vanilla extracts are made to the highest of standards and simply cannot be compared to the artificial vanilla flavoring you usually find in stores. In fact, I use their organic vanilla every week when I bake cookies and pies! We have both reviewed their products and have bought them locally on several occasions. I highly recommend Nielsen-Massey good for the baker on your list!

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SUN OVEN

If you've got someone on your list who loves the outdoors or likes to save money and be eco-friendly, this splurge worthy gift would really amaze them! The All American Sun Oven allows you to cook food harnessing the free power of the sun. It is used all over the world where access to electricity isn't feasible or available. The All American Sun Oven with Preparedness and Dehydrating Package makes it easy to naturally dry vegetables, fruits, meats (jerky!), herbs, and fish. Great for poultry and roasting, heating water, and even making breads or cakes. It's something that can even be life-saving in an emergency!

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BLURB

Want to give a gift you created? Maybe you want to give the grandparents a photo book of your family's favorites from this year? Maybe you've finally decided to take the plunge with a Family Cookbook that everyone has been begging you to make? Blurb is THE place to make these dreams come true. It's so easy to make a book with the tools they provide, it can be anything you can dream up and you're only limited by your imagination!

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BERKEY

Clean water is a great gift for any family, including your own. Berkey is considered to be on of the top water filtration systems in the world and rightfully so. These stainless steel water filters remove contaminants from your tap water such as chlorine, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, and even viruses. It's a big investment for your family's health. The Berkey comes in various sizes and is priced from $230 to $325. 

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We hope you enjoyed the Baby, Kids, and the Home & Family Gift Guide, come back later this week for the For Her Gift Guide. 

Please do share your gift ideas below!

Disclaimer: I received some compensation or product in return for featuring some of these brands. Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you and helps offset some of the cost associated with pouring our time and energy into this site. Thank you!

Clean Air, Healthy Home by Air Scrubber Plus | iPad Mini Giveaway

As you know here at Eco-Babyz, we are big on improving indoor air quality. With all the toxins emitted from building materials and furniture, indoor air can be downright hazardous. That's why I'm excited to introduce Air Scrubber Plus to you in partnership with fellow bloggers and to spread the word about making the indoor air you breathe, safer for your family.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers. In fact, the quality of indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the most polluted outdoor air. 87 percent of American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors. October is National Home Indoor Air Quality and Awareness Month and we want to spread the word on improving indoor air quality!

Air Scrubber Plus® with ActivePure™ technology is based on a variation of the technology originally developed for use in the International Space Station and is recognized as the exclusive Certified Space Technology by the Space Foundation in its category. offers the only environmental technology that is proven to actually reduce contaminants in the air and surfaces of the home. 

Working through your heating and air conditioning units, Air Scrubber Plus uses specialized germicidal UV light waves along with a proprietary catalytic process to reduce dust, pet dander and odors in your home. You will be able to reduce common smells such as pet odor, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, mold smells and the occasional burnt food odor.

The difference in air quality is noticeable; the air is fresher and the surfaces are cleaner, with an up to 99% reduction in contaminants on surfaces, like kitchen counters and toilet seats. Dust, allergens, mildew and odor-causing bacteria are proven to be significantly reduced with Air Scrubber Plus, now available through a nationwide network of general contractors and HVAC specialists.

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Our Favorite Features of Air Scrubber Plus® with ActivePure™ technology:

• Air Scrubber Plus cleans and disinfects the air and surfaces of your home, reducing up to 99.9% of surface micro-organisms and 90% of airborne micro-organisms. 
• The most highly respected labs in the country at Kansas State University and University of Cincinnati have tested and validated the effectiveness of the Air Scrubber Plus technology. 
• Air Scrubber Plus reduces VOCs (volatile organic compounds) emitted by carpets, building materials, cleaning products, furniture, paint, fireplaces, and pesticides.
• Air Scrubber Plus eliminates airborne and surface toxins that can aggravate allergy symptoms, chest tightness, cough, nausea, sinus problems, dizziness, eye/nose/throat irritation, fatigue, and headaches.
• Air Scrubber Plus extends the life and effectiveness of your existing HVAC system.
• Air Scrubber Plus is easily installed by professional HVAC technician.
• Member of the U.S. Green Building Council

Purchase: You can purchase the Air Scrubber Plus indoor air purification system from top HVAC contractors across the country or contact Air Scrubber Plus by phone or email for more information. 

Win! Air Scrubber Plus is sponsoring an iPad Mini 16 GB giveaway (retail value $329) to promote their incredible new indoor air purification incredible technology during National Home Indoor Air Quality and Awareness Month.

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to airscrubberplus.com and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends November 11th at 11:59 pm, open to residents of U.S., ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!

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Disclaimer: AnaB Social and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

The Ecology Works: Anti Allergen Laundry Detergent Review

Our entire family has rather sensitive skin and I have seasonal allergies. We use non-toxic, pant based detergents for that reason and many others. I think it's wise to minimize chemical exposure by using non-chemicals detergents or soaps for laundry - after all, you wear the clothing bathed in those chemicals on your skin 24/7 and it all gets absorbed. 

Moreover, my husband and I both have a very strong aversion to chemical smells - to the point that I want to gag when I smell my neighbor's dryer fumes. I've recently received The Ecology Works Anti Allergen Laundry Detergent for review and I'm very pleased with the results.

We have used this detergent with the kids laundry, sheets, my husband's work clothes, both dark and light colors, in both cold and warm water. It has worked wonderfully in all of these situations for delicates, regular loads, and heavy duty loads. It's great to have just one detergent for everything.

I can't say what it does for allergies specifically because we have switched from chemical detergents a long time ago. However, this has the same results, if not better than other Eco-friendly detergents we've used. I really like that it a very light, pleasant scent that completely washes out and doesn't leave any lingering smell on the laundry. It works both with regular washed and HE washing machines like mine. The cost is $15.95 for a 40 oz bottle.

I would recommend The Ecology Works Anti Allergen Laundry Detergent to anyone who has sensitive skin, is sensitive to chemicals, or just wants a more Eco-friendly and safe option for their family's laundry!

Check out the  The Ecology Works website

Purchase Anti Allergen Detergent in their store or on Amazon

Connect with The Ecology Works on Facebook and Twitter 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Real Foods Kitchen Wish List

I have a small kitchen that's used and abused daily as nearly everything is made from scratch and we rarely go out to eat. While I make do with the tools I have, there are many that would make my time in the kitchen more efficient and would enable me to try a larger variety of recipes. Frankly, I don't want a big kitchen, but I wouldn't mind some magical place to store all the kitchen tools that aren't used daily! 

I admit I have quite a refined taste for luxurious kitchen gadgets. I spend at least three hours a day in the kitchen, usually more. While I could just as well cook with a minimal amount of tools or over a campfire, it's nice to have a few things to save time and add convenience. I've also found that sometimes the cheap versions of appliances can be just as good or better than the expensive ones. I have a vintage KitchenAid mixer that was a hand-me-down, and though it looks worn, it works wonderfully and I wouldn't consider replacing it with a brand new one. You could probably find one at a garage sale!   

High Powered Blender: Our cheap blender has been serving us for almost seven years since we got married, but one day when it decides to no longer work I know I'll need a replacement. I would love to be able to do more with a blender than just make smoothies. There are a few nice ones on the market, though they all aren't cheap, I like this one. 

Food Processor: I still can't decide whether I would want a high powered blender or a food processor, I think having both is overkill. My cheap blender is sort of okay with handling smoothies, so I really need the processor function more than a blender. Then I wouldn't have to borrow my mom's food processor to make some nutritious liver pate. If I was to get one I would go for something like this one, which is for 14 cups and great for making meals in large batches. 

Ice Cream Maker: It would be great to make our own ice cream because even organic store bought ice cream has unnecessary ingredients and way too much sugar for our taste. I could make ice cream a health food with some secret ingredients! I would be content with the simplicity and price of this one, but this one would really be a splurge and I love gelato! Crazy price though, can't really justify that. 

Cake Stand with Cover: I rarely make cakes, but when I do, I always wish I had a cake stand. I would pick this one, which looks beautiful - but would be scary to use around kids, that's a lot of glass! I'm not good with glass, ask my husband. I've broken my fair share of ceramic and glass in the past year.   

Stainless Steel Baking Pan: Since glass is bad for me for everyday use, I would love a baking pan like this one, it is gorgeous. I broke our large glass one just a couple of months ago. I would use it to make larger batches of meals so that there are either left overs or something to put in the freezer until later. 

Jerky Cannon: We go through a large amount of beef jerky each month and though I don't really have the time to, I would use this to make some myself from the grass fed beef we get from a local farmer. Until we get around to doing that, I am still buying this one, a great snack on-the-go or a midnight munch. 

Roomy Refrigerator: Okay, so I'm really dreaming and this isn't a need - this is a 'wish list' after all! But I'm starting to realize that for the growing appetites of our family I may soon no longer be able to do just one shopping trip every three weeks for efficiency because we simply will not fit all of it in the average-size fridge. If one would magically appear in our kitchen, I wouldn't mind this one. 

Tea Maker: We have no coffee maker as we don't even drink coffee. We have a simple electric tea kettle that has served us well, but if we really want to get serious about drinking tea the 'right way' and having water at the right temperature for different teas, we would love to splurge on this one. Yes, another item with a crazy price that is totally unneeded and a luxury for us. 

Le Creuset: Is any real foods kitchen complete without Le Creuset stoneware? I would love this set with lid so that I can stop using aluminum foil to cover casseroles. It's practical and beautiful, it would get a ton of use around here, especially for comfort foods through the New England winter. 

Toaster/Convection Oven: We have a cheap toaster oven, which I am amazed is still operable. We've had it since we got married almost seven years ago and let's just say it is no longer 'presentable', I can't wash off everything that's on it. It's used daily through the winter as we don't own a microwave, we use it to reheat leftovers. So needless to say, it is on its last lap and if we will need a new one I would love this one, or realistically, this one.

Just like with baby gear for raising baby, you don't need all these things to make great meals in the kitchen, but sometimes it's nice for the sake of saving time and convenience!

What's on your kitchen wish list? 

Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

My Favorite Kitchen Essentials

In a 'real foods' kitchen where meals are made from scratch, there are many essential tools I use pretty much every day that make food prep faster, easier, and a lot more efficient. I sometimes take it for granted, but every time I visit someone and use their knives, can openers, or dish washing sponge - I realize what gems I've found to use in our kitchen! 

These items are either really good or simply amazing and I never regret having spent money on them. In my photo (top to bottom) you can see some of the items that are on the list, followed by other favorites not pictured.

1. Breville Ikon Stainless Electric Tea Kettle: We love drinking tea and actually haven't had a coffee maker in our house in over 5 years. We've had this one for over four years, best decision ever after burning one stove top tea kettle. I love that it doesn't have an exposed heating element for mineral deposits to get stuck on. With a flat, stainless interior base it is really easy to clean. At just under $80 I feel that the quality is there, it's lasted us a while and shows no signs of giving up. Breville also makes the much more expensive One-Touch Tea Maker that I think is awesome and our friends love, but it is over $240 [gasp!]. It heats to precise temperatures for different types of tea - for gourmet tea drinkers!
   
   
2. Flour Sack Towels: These cotton flour sack towels have so many uses around the home, but in the kitchen they are simply magical for straining and I've used them for my farmer's cheese recipe. They are also great for drying dishes, which I usually don't bother with unless I'm putting away the nice 'guest dishes' and don't want water spots on them. They aren't very cheap for under $15 for four towels, but reasonable. For some reason they remind me of my Culinary Arts class and France!
   
   
3. Goodbye Detergent Spaghetti Scrub: We don't use a dishwasher and I always thought there is no other way to wash dishes other than with a sponge or cloth. Then I got one of these spaghetti scrubs and I'm telling you, there is no going back! I never liked sponges to begin with. Even when wrung out and left to dry, they would get smelly fast -yuckiness. Not to mention we were spending too much money constantly replacing them. I've used one spaghetti scrub for a year before switching to a new one - and it still looked almost like new! It scrubs very gently, so it never scratched my non-stick ceramic and our dish-washing soap use went way down since it really only needs detergent for extra greasy pans and dishes.
   
   
   
   
   
4. IKEA Tea Infuser: We really enjoy loose leaf tea, but I don't enjoy brewing a whole tea pot just for the two of us. That's where these handy tea infusers come in. Just big enough to brew a cup of tea. It's just a perfect little gadget and has never failed, plus the price can't be beat at $1.99.
   
   
5. Kuhn Rikon Can Opener: I've discovered this dream can opener when I still lived with my parents, I think my mom bought it at Marshalls. When I got married and saw all the cheap, pseudo can openers that didn't work, I went on a quest to find one of these for our kitchen! I was excited when I finally found one - best can opener ever! It leaves smooth, child-safe edges on the can. That alone is priceless. Totally worth the $14.
   
   
6. Cutco Knives: These are an absolute must have in our kitchen. I've tried many knives. Expensive ones. Nothing compares to Cutco and nothing can compare to their lifetime guarantee and free sharpening for life. I know people who have been using them for 30, 40+ years and they still are good as new. You get what you pay for! It's just such a pleasure working with them, I realize that every time I use some other brand at someone else's house and I wonder how in the world anything can get done in a kitchen with dull knives.
   
   
7. Bamboo Cutting Boards: Plastic cutting boards harbor bacteria, bamboo and wood ones do not. I love my bamboo cutting board and use it every day. It's held up well to rigorous use. There are a ton available on the market, so I would just go by online user reviews of particular brands, some are better than others. I also love my bamboo utensils, use them every day as well - they are great for being non-scratchy to keep my pans like new.
   
   
8. Ceramic Diamond Non-stick Skillet: Literally used every day, I have peace of mind knowing there is no toxic, carcinogenic teflon in my non-stick pan. You really don't need a whole set, I find it sufficient to have one large one for everyday use and I also have the smaller non-toxic skillet for when I need two at the same time, which is rare.  
   
   
9. KitchenAid Stand Mixer: I was really fortunate to be donated a vintage KitchenAid stand mixer and although it doesn't look up to date for the 21st century, the performance is flawless. It saves me a lot of time when making cakes, cookies, dough - all the things I used to do by hand prior to 3 years ago.
   
   
10. Toaster Oven: Our toaster oven has seen better days, it still works but it's been through a lot! We are contemplating replacing it with a larger capacity one when/if it finally dies (probably this one). We don't have a microwave, so I use it to reheat leftovers and I often make quick dinners in it by throwing some chicken with spices inside and not having to think about when to turn it off as the timer does it for me. 

These are our essentials, things I use every day and it would be hard to do without. By no means do you need these to create meals from scratch, but it does make it easier. I will also be sharing with you my kitchen splurges and my wish list in the future! 

Now if only they made an affordable kitchen robot to make all the gourmet meals from scratch... For now we're sticking to me as the chef, it's hard to beat a meal made with love. 

What are your kitchen essentials?

Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

'Healthing' With Toxic Chemicals?

I just saw a Lysol commercial on YouTube. My jaw dropped. Not because it was so good but because I'm appalled that a company that makes highly toxic cleaning chemicals would stoop so low to market their toxic products to unsuspecting parents who are trying to make healthy choices. How peculiar that it looks awfully similar to a Seventh Generation commercial from several years ago, going for the same feel of 'natural' and 'good for families'. Number one brand recommended by pediatricians? It certainly shows that they don't have much of a clue either.

"Banish those germs and viruses!" seems to be the horn to toot. But at what cost? Replacing colds and flu with chronic, debilitating, life-altering diseases that result from toxic chemicals is hardly justifiable. 

Do they really think we are that gullible? For starters, let's look at the ingredients in many Lysol products, just in case some of you aren't aware (every Lysol product contains at least one of these in same or similar form):

Benzalkonium Chloride: biocide, preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies, especially dangerous for people with asthma or skin conditions such as eczema... Regular use of products containing antimicrobials such as bezalkonium chloride could lead to the development of resistant bacteria in homes and food processing facilities.

Fragrance: Evidence of skin irritation/allergies/damage; acute aquatic toxicity, nervous system effects.

Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, Benzyl-C8-18-Alkyldimethyl, Chlorides: Asthmagen, very toxic to aquatic life, causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Ethylene oxide: Known to cause reproductive toxicity in females, asthmagen, may cause genetic defects, central nervous system impairment, known to be a human carcinogen.

Those are just a few of the many, many ingredients in Lysol products - and most conventional brand name cleaning products as well.

Of course that's a problem, but the bigger problem is that the use of these toxic products is advertised as 'healthy'!

Not only are we filling our homes with ingredients that cause cancer, asthma, nervous system issues, and skin problems - we are also killing all the beneficial bacteria that is necessary for life and for creating immunity to diseases.

We are creating bubble, 'manicured green lawn' environments for our children where they grow in a sterilized environment and in turn become sick from every little germ they encounter. Is it any wonder that autoimmune diseases are skyrocketing?

Kids need dirt and germs to prevent the development of allergies. We need to let our kids be kids. There are plenty of toxin free alternatives to disinfecting in 'germ breeding' spaces like schools and hospitals. Plus the alternatives are much, much cheaper than brand name cleaning chemicals (think vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, lemons, etc.). These will not promote the breeding of super bugs in our homes, schools, and hospitals.

So what's it going to be Lysol? Will you continue pushing your deceptive marketing on unsuspecting moms? Are you going to be part of the problem or the solution? Why not overhaul your toxic ingredients list instead of pouring money into deceptive marketing?

What about us? As consumers we can vote with our wallet. You know what? Your wallet will thank you because homemade cleaners can be just as effective and much cheaper - not to mention they will not cause cancer or other severe health problems.

Solutions: Homemade Cleaners

Check out your cleaning products on EWG's database

How do you keep your home clean without the use of toxic chemicals? 

What do you think of Lysol's deceiving marketing? Did you know what their products contain?

Creating a Non-toxic Nursery {Dear Best Friend...}

As you know from our post last week, we are all about cosleeping and it works well for our family. However, we do have a room for the kids where they will eventually sleep, for now it is more like a play room than a bedroom. No matter what your sleeping arrangements, the following will help guide you in creating a living and sleeping environment that is less toxic and your kids can play safely in. It's unfortunate that today we are surrounded with products that are inherently toxic and contain chemicals that cause cancer, asthma, and other diseases. It's wise to mindfully choose what finishes, flooring, and furniture to include in all your rooms - not just the kids. 

Removing Toxins in Old Homes 

The first thing you need to determine is whether your home may contain lead paint. As a general rule, if your home was built before 1960, it most likely contains lead paint. Even homes as recent as 1978 may contain lead paint. It is considered to be the #1 environmental threat to children in the U.S. It's a concern that shouldn't be taken lightly. Children may be exposed to lead through dust, contaminated soil, and construction projects. Lead paint is best left undisturbed unless it is in an area where it would create a lot of dust (like windows or in the midst of a remodeling project), that's when it should be professionally removed. Check out the EPA lead-based paint page for more information. 

Wall Paint

When choosing wall paint for your home and especially the baby's room, it's best to go with zero or low VOC paints. Volatile Organic Compounds in paints, finishes, and building materials can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, memory impairment, among other things. Some organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals and/or humans. Of course you are familiar with the smell of paint - that's exactly what humans and especially children shouldn't be smelling! 

Yes, you will most likely spend more money on such paint, but it is absolutely worth the investment for your child's health. Performance wise, our two favorite brands or zero VOC paints are Mythic Paint (on Amazon or use the store finder) and YOLO Colorhouse (on Amazon, at store near you, and at select Home Depot stores). Both have amazing coverage and no toxic smells, you can even paint while pregnant without ill effects! Some other brands that make zero or low VOC paints are Olympic Paint, Bioshield, Homestead House Paint Company, and Anna Sova. 

Flooring

Most flooring contains toxins that off gas over time, both in the material itself and the adhesives. In general, stay away from any PVC/vinyl flooring (most toxic) and synthetic carpets with traditional adhesives. Carpets will off gas for years and contain formaldehyde. Laminate flooring can also be quite toxic because of the adhesives used to make it, but some contain lower VOC content than others. We recently installed IKEA TUNDRA laminate flooring and we are pleased with it, it has no smell whatsoever and adheres to stricter environmental standards than U.S. based products. Is it the least toxic? No. But for a family on a budget it works. Look for FSC certified backing and no added urea formaldehyde in laminate flooring.

The best flooring options would be hardwood sealed with a zero or low VOC floor finish, such as Vermont Natural Coatings. Another option is sustainable carpets and rugs made from natural materials (such as wool or bamboo) without chemical treatments. Look for carpets with natural fiber backing and less-toxic adhesives. Some options may be Fibreworks, Merida, Georgia Mills, GreenSage, or bamboo area rugs.

Ceramic flooring is another great non-toxic option, especially in warmer climates. It may also work well under a natural fiber rug, such as wool. 

Textiles

Steer clear of polyester and other synthetic fibers in the kids' bedroom, or even in your entire home. These petroleum based fibers are full of heavy metals, among other things. It is also wise to avoid textiles with stain resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals). The best materials for bedding and bedroom accessories are organic cotton, organic bamboo, merino wool (other wool may be itchy), and hemp. 

Our must have baby sleep accessory is a merino wool baby sleep bag, it's priceless when it comes to keeping baby warm at night without having to chase the covers. An organic/natural crib mattress is another must have since baby will be spending a good chunk of his day on it, inhaling anything that may off gas. Some great ones are Lullaby Earth, Nook, Naturepedic, and Greenbuds. They are definitely worth it and are priced reasonably, as low as $169. If you co-sleep, you may want a spacious non-toxic mattress for the family, but that comes with a hefty price tag. We don't have one yet because it certainly is an investment. If we were to buy one, I would love an Essentia mattress - top of the line in natural memory foam mattresses. 

Furniture

It's unfortunate that furniture today is made with many toxic adhesives, sealants, and chemicals. Upholstered furniture usually contains toxic flame retardants. Most mass-produced furniture is made from particle board that utilizes glues made with formaldehyde, it off gasses over time. You may be pleased to learn that IKEA is a leader in reducing or completely omitting the use of formaldehyde in their furnishings. Sure, it's not the most environmentally friendly company and furniture, but it is way ahead of most others. 

To reduce exposure to toxins, choose furniture made from solid wood and metal, or plywood/particleboard that does not contain formaldehyde-based glues. Some nursery furniture manufacturers that are worth looking into are Atlantic Furniture, Oeuf, Pacific Rim, Green Cradle, Babyletto, and Romina Furniture. Another great way to buy high quality wood furniture is at yard sales and second hand (such as estate sales and Craigslist). 

Keeping it Non-toxic!

Of course a healthy baby room doesn't end at creating one, it's best to keep it clean by using natural non-toxic cleaners. You can make some yourself or use some that are truly natural, we are big fans of Better Life products in our house. 

Do you have more tips for creating a non-toxic baby nursery? 

This post is part of a series called {Dear Best Friend...}. See previous posts below:

Cosleeping is Not a Fad, Cribs Are

How to Cloth Diaper

Pregnancy Must Haves

There is Only One Mom Like You

How to Pick the Best Stroller for Your Baby

Surviving the Glucose Test

Baby Must Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and No-Need-to-Haves

My Best Friend Will Be a Mom!

Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Organizing Closet Accessories

Lately, I have a slight obsession with decluttering and organizing. Must be spring and the fact that I spend too much of my day managing the stuff in this house. We need more room to breathe! So to make some breathing room in our entry coat closet I've decided to take a regular over-the-door pocket shoe organizer and instead use it for hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, and other outdoor gear. 

It is such a simple thing, but has really transformed the closet! All these things were piled in bins on the top shelf before. Not only was it impossible to see anything, but you couldn't grab what you need without it all falling out. Doesn't help that I'm 5'2". Doing this made me realize we could donate about 30% of the accessories and I actually have found many items I forgot we had. We now also have room for bike helmets and umbrellas on that top shelf - items that aren't used as often. Now that spring is creeping in, I may just put the warmer accessories in storage and instead use it for the kids sun hats, our sunglasses, our favorite non-toxic bug repellent, non-toxic sunscreen, and bathing suits so we can grab what we need as we head out the doors. 

Of course the possibilities are endless! You could use it to organize toys, toiletries, tools, it can even be hung on a walk-in pantry door to store non-perishables. It would also be perfect in a craft room for ribbon or other supplies. 

I got this shoes organizer pictured above on Zulily, but you can grab it at any store like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond or even Amazon. I'm sure it isn't to hard to make one yourself if you're crafty!

Eco Tip: Try to avoid buying one made of carcinogenic vinyl. Instead opt for canvas or nylon for a less toxic alternative. You really don't want to be breathing what's in stuff made of vinyl! This one is one of my favorites that I'm thinking of getting for our bathroom. 

How do you organize closet accessories? 

Disclaimer: May contain affiliate links that support Eco-Babyz at no additional cost to you, thank you!

Spring Cleaning Without Chemicals: 5 Simple Steps

I'll be the first to admit that my house needs some major spring cleaning! Ever since the birth of our second child in November 2011, starting a business in May of 2012, and an ongoing remodeling project this entire year, my house needs help. I know we are all happier when everything is clean and organized, even though I'm not one to fuss over dust bunnies when my family and income-generating work are a priority.

For many moms I know, they simply do not know where to start when it comes to healthier cleaning that doesn't expose your family to highly toxic chemicals. Everything from asthma to cancer, ADHD, and of course - poisoning, are all linked to chemical cleaning products. Do you want to create a healthier home for your family? Here is how you can do it this spring!

1. Let them go! There is no way around it. Toxic chemicals do not belong inside your home, or anywhere for that matter. Every time you clean with that bottle of colored blue, green, or yellow liquid, carcinogenic toxins are released into the air and travel to the lungs of your kids and pets. They remain on surfaces as well for weeks, touched and licked by your infant, toddler. Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it is harmless. Unfortunately the market of cleaning products has little to no safety standards. The best thing you can do for your family's health is to toss it all in the trash. Their health is worth much more than the $50 you'll toss, agree? Be aware of any 'greenwashing' by brands that still contain harmful toxins but market themselves as 'green'.
   
   
2. Air it out! The myriad of materials in our homes are constantly releasing gasses into the air, some toxic, some not. There is formaldehyde in household products, toxins in paint, carpets, flooring, etc. The best thing you can do is to open windows every day once the weather gets warmer. The air outside is always cleaner that inside your home, even if you live in the city. Opening the windows is the best way to clean your indoor air.
   
   
3. Simplify your cleaning arsenal (and save money): You really don't need brand name cleaning concoctions in bottles, you just don't. The best thing you can do is stick to edible cleaning supplies! Think vinegar, baking soda, lemons and lemon peel, and essential oils. You can browse Pinterest for inspiration and DIY cleaning recipes. I used to spend about $30 a month on toxic cleaning supplies, now I spend about $30 every six months! A little goes a long, long way.
   
   
4. Small splurges on trusted brands: If you really want the convenience of pre-packaged products, I would recommend Better Life. We are huge fans and regularly use their products. The ingredients are superb and they clean like no other, they just work. You may also check out the EWG cleaning product guide for the low down on all the safest cleaning products. You can check the toxicity of what you have before tossing something in the trash.
   
   
5. Purge: Sometimes what our house needs the most is the release of everything we've accumulated that doesn't serve a purpose. I'm not good at this, but I'm working on it! It takes a change of mind set. For some inspiration I read about the minimalists who own only 100 things. I read about people in far off lands that barely own anything. Children in third world countries that may have one or two toys. I realize we really don't need much and it inspires to simplify and focus on what's important. Dump, donate, sell, bless someone else. It all works. I've donated huge amounts of stuff through the Epilepsy Foundation, Big Brother Big Sister (both pick up at your door), and sold/donated many things on Craigslist. Our place is small and I know we don't need a bigger one, we just need to get rid of more things. I wish I could just have a day to myself without the kids to tackle this head on!

Keep in mind that children need exposure to natural bacteria and germs around them. Are we setting up their immune system for failure by creating spotless homes treated with chemicals? Let's focus on clean, but not sanitized. Your house isn't a hospital and you don't want a breeding ground for super bugs. 

What are your best healthy cleaning tips?

*Use common sense! Even when using natural cleaning products with low toxicity, keep them out of reach of children!

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Sopora Ultimate Twin Mattress Review {Perfect Crib Mattress Giveaway Soon!}

It is hard to believe Baby E is four years old and is [gasp!] transitioning to a twin size bed. When did my baby grow up?! I was kind of dreading picking out a twin mattress for her because of everything I know about them, fire retardants and how toxic they are. Not to mention that mattresses imported from China contain chlorinated tris that was banned due to cancer concerns, but is still actually present in significant amounts in these products. That's crib mattresses, I don't even want to know what's in the adult ones that don't have the same regulations. So I was thrilled and relieved to be working with Sopora, a company that makes Eco-friendly mattresses right here in the United States.

We received the Sopora Ultimate Twin Mattress for review, and guess what? It arrived in this little box! I was like "What? No way a twin mattress fit in there!" I knew it was compressed, but still thought it wasn't possible! So I panicked and contacted them to make sure they did indeed send a twin size and not a crib size mattress. I couldn't open it since I would have no way to stuff it back inside. I was assured that this is the one. So we opened it and to my amazement the twin mattress popped out.

The mattress took it's shape immediately and as recommended we left it to fluff up for a couple of days. We are in the middle of a remodel for the bedrooms, so all four of us are sleeping in one bedroom on our old queen mattress and Baby E on her new twin Sopora. On the occasion that Baby T takes over my side of the bed, I just scoot over to Baby E's new mattress and let me tell you, it is amazingly comfortable! So much so that I find myself over there more and more just because I prefer sleeping on it. 

It's a very firm, supportive surface that to me, most resembles memory foam - but maybe a little more firm. I find it really good for my not-so-good back. I am so glad she has something comfortable to sleep on and relieved that it doesn't have that 'new mattress smell'. It doesn't stink of any chemicals, and rightly so because it is made of Eco-friendly, plant based, renewable oil foam. Oh, and it does actually have two different sleeping surfaces to suit your preference, one that's more firm and one that resembles memory foam (CoolGel). 

Before I loose you with the host of features offered for the Ultimate Twin mattress, I'll summarize everything there is to love:

• Non toxic and made from renewable resources 
• Contains no chemical fire retardants
• Greenguard Children and Schools certified foam
• Made in the USA
• Two sleeping surfaces, one ultra-firm and the other CoolGel visco foam (regulates body temperature)
• Medical grade, soft stretch-knit mattress cover, lightweight and pliable - conforms to body
• Ultrasonically welded dropped side seams, no access to inside of mattress for wetness, bed bugs, or allergens
• Square corners fit tightly into any standard bunk, bed frame, or platform bed
• Cover is vinyl, PVC, lead, and phthalates free 
• Stain and odor resistant
• Antimicrobial and antibacterial
• 7 year warranty against any manufacturer defects

So there is definitely no skimping on features and I love that most of it has to do with the safety of the mattress. You may see other mattresses with frilly features that offer no substance, they are still toxic to sleep on. Not many brands can claim to have no fire retardants, vinyl, PVC, lead, or phthalates in their products - very few actually. I do still greatly dislike the fact that our comfortable, albeit toxic queen mattress, probably will not be replaced by a healthy green mattress anytime soon. It's memory foam and we didn't get it new. I don't want to know what it off-gases! I wish we could all fit onto a Sopora twin! Hm, maybe we could get three twins and attach them to each other to make one huge mattress? Ahem, excuse my crazy thinking here...

I've learned over the years that not all mattresses are created equal, not just in reference to comfort, but what they are made of. As a mom of small children, sleep is a luxury for me - but I do sleep better knowing they are sleeping on a safe surface and not breathing in off-gassing chemicals for 10 to 12 hours each night. I really wish I could give each of my readers a mattress like this! But I have to say, it is a worthwhile investment in your children's health. In order of priority I would say healthy food and water are most important, but a healthy sleep environment is next on the list, in my opinion. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about this mattress and I'll do my best to answer them!

Sopora mattresses are competitively priced among the Eco-friendly, non-toxic options. The Ultimate Twin retails for $605, the Delux Twin is $439. Sopora crib mattresses are priced as low as $167 for the Classic Crib Mattress and the Perfect Crib Mattress we are giving away is $350. Sopora mattresses can be purchased directly from the company and some models are also available on Amazon. 

Visit Sopora 

Connect with Sopora on Facebook and Twitter!

Tomorrow, 2/12/13, we are launching a GIVEAWAY for the Sopora Perfect Crib Mattress!

Disclaimer: I did not receive payment for this review. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are my own and genuine. May contain affiliate links that support Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you.