Earth-friendly consumer...is it an oxymoron? I try to do my part when it comes to recycling and reusing but aside from that I never thought there was much else I could do. Until I decided to research it. Believe it or not, you can live the life of an earth friendly consumer, you just have to know where to shop!
Kids love to color...I can't even begin to count how many boxes of crayons I went through in my childhood. Unfortunately, my crayons were made with paraffin wax derived from petroleum oil. I don't think my crayon-use caused the oil crisis of the 70's but thanks to new crayons made from soybeans your kids can take a baby step in the right "environmentally correct" direction. Fun Pro Soybean Crayons are available at www.Prang.com
Toothbrushes may account for 50 million pounds of plastic waste in America each year. Instead of your favorite magazine subscription, maybe a one-year subscription to the Preserve Toothbrush (one new brush sent to your home every three months) is a better idea. The toothbrush handles are made out of recycled plastics and Recycline suggests consumers return the used toothbrushes back to them in pre-paid envelopes. Your toothbrush handle is then recycled into plastic lumber! The Preserve Toothbrush is available at www.Recycline.com.
When I envision my dream house it has hardwood floors, everything else is a blur. Traditionally wood floorings are oak or maple, but I've found something stronger and just as beautiful. In order to protect the forests, bamboo has become my number one hardwood floor choice. It's not actually wood -- bamboo is a grass that matures in less than four years and can be renewably harvested over and over from the same plants. Visit www.TimberGrass.com for more information, including their chemical-free adhesive.
When you recycle glass jars you're actually giving artists a medium to create works of art with. From sturdy table coasters to exquisite dinnerware, recycled glass is making a huge impact on home decoration. It's dishwasher safe and the colors are magnificent. Look for other home accessories made from recycled glass at www.NaturalSpaces.com
Commercial cotton uses 25% of the world's insecticides. Organic cotton linens (cotton grown without pesticides or chemicals and processed without dyes or toxic bleaches) are the softest sheets I've ever slept in. They are available in 230-thread count or 300-thread count with a sateen finish. They're preshrunk and come in seamless sheets, duvets, shams and pillowcases. Visit www.NaturalHomeProducts.com for more information.
The garden is a great place to feel like you're making a difference in the world. This bar of Gardener's soap is a long lasting half-pound of stain- removing lemon grass, exfoliating lavender and sea kelp. You can also buy garden tools made from recycled aluminum and solid brass herb markers made from recycled bullet casings. For more information visit www.NaturalSpaces.com 
