How to Tell if a Gift is Eco-Friendly

Mar 192010
 

How to Find Earth-Friendly Gifts. photo courtesy of the Pug Father

We all want to do our part to help the environment. A big part of that is buying products that are eco-friendly. Using our money to support earth-conscious companies is a great way to go green. While many products claim to be created with the earth in mind, how can you be sure? Here are some clues for telling if a gift is eco-friendly.

Look for Official Certification

If a lamp claims on its package to be energy efficient or certified look for proof. If it is in fact officially certified it will carry the energy efficient logo. Without that the claim could be false. Or if paper products claim to be made from recycled materials, somewhere on the package there should be an official statement or certification.

Beware of Vague Claims

A lot of products throw up green sounding phrases with hopes of luring you into a sale. If a product says it’s chemical-free, beware. Even water is a chemical, so being chemical free is virtually impossible. Other phrases commonly used to mislead consumers are non-toxic, all natural and green. Even certain poisons like arsenic and formaldehyde are all-natural.

Do Some Checking

Finding out if a product really is what it claims to be can be tough. But in the case of Energy Star rated products, it’s as easy as an online search. Head to the Energy Star website and look through their database of products that are officially Energy Star rated.

Support Green Companies

Each year Newsweek lists the top 500 green companies. Take a look at the list and do your best to support companies that are already doing a great job with this initiative. By using your money to buy green gifts for those you love, you’re showing the world that you care about the environment.

How to Wrap a Gift Without Using Wrapping Paper

Jul 022009
 
No Wrapping Paper? No Worries!

No Wrapping Paper? No Worries! photo courtesy of grabadonut

You’ve got a gift. You’ve got a box. Heck, you even have some tape, but you are fresh out of wrapping paper. Now is the time when your creativity can really be put to the test. Inspired by the “Nice Package” Flickr group, here are several ways to wrap a gift without using an inch of wrapping paper. But it will look so good no one will know the real reason your package turned out so unique.

Use wax paper. Head to your kitchen and grab a couple of sheets of wax paper. Using two layers will help keep the gift’s contents under wrap. Use some pretty ribbon or twine to complete the look.

Print some off the web. There are several cool designers offering printable wrapping paper. Even Martha Stewart has five different styles of wrapping paper designs available for free. Scrapbooks Etc. also offers up a bunch of brightly colored printable wrapping papers. Just download the file, click print and you’re good to go.

Head to your sewing stash and use leftover fabric. A lighter weave will make it easier to wrap. Coordinate the look with some thick ribbon to help hold it all together and a button in the center.

Pull newspaper out of the recycle bin. Give your gift an eco-friendly look by using newspaper or magazines.

Use paper, not plastic. If you’ve got grocery bags or shopping bags stashed in your pantry, creatively cut one up to make some heavy duty and eco-friendly wrapping paper.

Decorate the box. Skip the paper all together and find a way to decorate the box. Use stamps, stickers or your own drawing skills. It’ll be so pretty the recipient will forget about the lack of wrapping paper.

Father’s Day Gift Guide – T-shirt Collection

Jun 182009
 

This year, we decided to feature mainly products made in USA. Here are a few Father’s Day Gift ideas we have received from our readers. Remember to always check each Store’s policies before placing your order.
mensborntobreakevenblackSouthern Man Vintage Tees

Southern Brand recently launched a line of Vintage Tees for men, aptly named Southern Man. Southern Brand features classic design tenets of the south and images of rural Americana including noble critters, roadside BBQ shacks, the blues highway, old wooden letterpress show posters and phrases born of tradition, hard work and good livin’.

Southern Brand tees are Vintage Soft and weathered feelin’. These are the kinda’ tees Dad wants! These premium Southern Tee are made from 100% pure cotton and has been put through an extensive Vintage Wash process. This produces distinctive weathering and classic color, resulting in a true vintage look and a feel as soft as a baby’s bottom. Printed with vegetable inks and non-formaldehyde discharges. Keepin’ Mother Earth smilin’.

Price: $29

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Ball and Buck Pocket-T

Papa’s got a brand new Pocket-T!!
Tired of seeing environmentally friendly clothing being covered in peace signs, doves, and other graphic “earth loving” images?  Ball and Buck is the creator of the first all “preppy” organic clothing brand; a revolutionary twist on an American tradition.  Ball and Buck products are: High quality, traditional design, environmentally responsible, original, and high end.  Using vintage and recycled fabrics to make the pockets on the front of the shirts, you get to choose the style, color, and fabric, making the final pocket-t truly original. So, don’t drop the ball, buck up and check out how the traditional “Pocket-T” has been transformed into a stylish and green staple for your wardrobe.

Price: $34.00 +

osmt04Old Spice T-Shirts

Old Spice’s new online store featuring some really cool kitschy Old Spice clothing and accessories.  Perfect for dad’s who love that Old Spice!

Many of the t-shirts feature the Old Spice insignia in a simple manner, which makes it easy for many guys to wear and love. Plus, at this price be sure to grab more than one!

Price: $20

1017768_1bCrazy Shirts Father’s Day Tees

If dad’s a beer lover, how about a beer dyed T-shirt? Only Crazy Shirts would make a beer dyed T-shirt that is dyed with pale ale from a genuine microbrewery in Hawaii. The brewed tee is infused with hops and barley and designed with water-based inks. Isn’t it amazing that you can wear something out of beer?

Each t-shirt also comes in unique packaging and can be purchased online at local Crazy Shirts store locations across the US.

Price: $25 – $29

fnt-2tMarine Layer T-Shirts and Polos

Marine Layer makes t-shirts and polos that fit and feel like your old favorite right out of the box.  The shirts are sustainably made in California using a custom knit fabric that is softer and more eco-friendly than cotton.  Plus, they come in “between sizes” Smedium, Marge & Larger,  so you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your father just right.  Shirts are sold exclusively online.

Price: $35 +

“Wear Your Music” Guitar String Bracelets + Giveaway – CLOSED

Jun 092009
 

“Wear Your Music” guitar string bracelets are unique bracelets and make a great gift to anyone who loves music and music artists.  These bracelets give fans an opportunity to take part and support artist’s charities while wearing a piece of music history.  Artists from Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Avril Lavigne turn in their used guitar strings to have made into high-end bracelets for you to wear!  Best of all, a portion of each sale goes to different artist charities, such as Carlos Santanta’s Milagro Foundation and The Greatful Dead-affliliated Rex Foundation.

 

wear your music artist braceletThe Wear Your Music Artist Bracelets let you pick the artist you want your strings from!  Each guitar string bracelet is handcrafted from recycle fine silver and the used guitar strings from your artist of choice, making this bracelet also 100% Eco-friendly.  Each bracelet comes with a certificate of authenticity and packaged in a recycled DVD case.  Profits are donated to the artist selected charity or foundation.

Price: Varies by Artist

fashion-braceletThe Wear Your Music Fashion Bracelets are “one size fits all” bracelets that are crafted from a pool of over 150 various artists, including those from bands such as Metallica, Phish, and Social Disorder.  These unisex bracelets are made from real guitar strings and come in a number of stylish colors. A percentage of the profits from these bracelets are donated to charities that support music.

Price: $7-10 individually, variety packs available

Check out WearYourMusic.org for more information about the bracelets and other Wear Your Music merchandise.

GIVEAWAY

WearYourMusic.org has generously donated a Fashion Bracelet to one of our readers.

This Giveaway is for US residents only.

Prize: a fashion bracelet from Wear Your Music. We’ll have 1 lucky winner.

How to enter (required): visit wearyourmusic.org and then come back and leave a comment with the name of your favorite product.

For additional entries (leave a new comment for each additional entry):
- one additional entry if you grab one of our buttons and post it on your blog, please post the link;
- one additional entry if you join us on Facebook;
- one additional entry if you follow us on Twitter;
- one additional entry if you send a tweet about this giveaway, please post the link (once a day only);
- one additional entry if you fave us in Technorati;
- one additional entry if you blog about this Giveaway with a link back to 1HappyCorner.com and http://www.wearyourmusic.org
- one additional entry if you follow 1HappyCorner.com via email.

The giveaway ends on June 25, 2009. Good luck!

*Please make sure you leave a comment for each additional entry so you get credited.
*Also, please make sure you typed in the correct email address.
*The winner will be announced via e-mail and has 2 days to get back to us or other name will be chosen.

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Thank you all for participating!! The winner is…

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11

Timestamp: 2009-06-28 16:31:39 UTC

Congratulations, littlepurpleroom!! You have 2 days to contact us. If we don’t hear from you, another name will be chosen.

Limited Edition Island Collection from Vera Bradley

May 302009
 

Enjoy the Limited Edition Island Collection from Vera Bradley.  This limited collection is the very thing you need this summer to make it a stylish one.  It offers many great gifts for those who love the summer, who are going on vacation, or just love anything tropical and beachy.  The following products are inspired by Bali and are available for Summer ’09, until quantities sell out, so grab them quickly!

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Island Collection Beach Towel

This generously oversized beach towel is the one essential item you need for the beach or pool side.  Inspired by Bail and the tropics, the Island Collection Beach Towel is make of 100% cotton and available in 5 other designs. 35″ x 65″

Price $34

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Island Collection Tiki Tote

The Tiki Tote makes a great present for those who like to make a statement. This adorable tote is great for any summer party and is available in the Bali Blue and Bali Gold pattern.  This structure tote has  two front pockets, a deep interior with two slit pockets and zipper compartment, and a padded strap. 12 1/2″ x 14″ x 4 3/4″ – 10″ strap drop.

Price $98

Tiki Clutch also available for $58

iconiconIsland Collection Straw Hat

The Island Collection Straw Hat is a wide brim hat and is classic in design, which is sure to make a great gift for just about anyone.  Flexible and lightweight, it can be tuck away in any bag.  Available in Bali Blue and Bali Gold pattern. One size fits most.

Price $38
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iconIsland Collection Straw Sandals

The Island Collection Straw Sandals are made of an eco-friendly and flexible sole.  The footbed is constructed of natural straw and trimed in either Bali Blue or Bali Gold pattern.  Flower and beads are made of natural materials as well. Available in size Small (5-6), Medium (7-8), and Large (9-10).icon

Price $28

Mother’s Day Eco-Friendly Beauty Gifts

Apr 222009
 
Tarte Tote Set

Tarte Tote Set

This Mother’s Day give a beauty gift that not only would please your mother,  but mother earth as well.  Here are a few suggestions for great eco-friendly Mother’s Day beauty gifts:

Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) Tote Set

Celebrate this Mother’s Day with this environmentally friendly set featuring a reusable natural cotton tote and three natural lip sheers.  The three lip sheer are packaged in post-consumer recycled aluminum tubes and geniusly named reduce (sheer peach) , reuse (sheer poppy pink), and recycle (sheer pinky beige).  The SPF 15 lip sheers are sulfate-free and paraben-free and come tucked in a the natural cotton tote that can reused as a grocery bag or a fun beach bag.  Price $35

Bare Escentuals Siren of the Sea Collection

Bare Escentuals Siren of the Sea Collection

Bare Escentuals Siren of the Sea Hydrating and Brightening Collection

This seven-piece collection is named siren of the sea, referring to the mermaid of course, to reflect the cool and hydrating effects of the ocean.  This collection features a blush and powder with water-encapsulated technology, making skin look hydrated while provide natural color.  This seven-piece Bare Escentuals kit comes with; Natural Lip Gloss in Chiffon (nude sand), Mermaid (dark blue-green) eye color, hydrating coral blush, hydrating mineral veil, High Shine in Sand Dune, double-ended brush with bamboo handle, and a straw clutch. Price $49

LAVANILA The Healthy Candel

LAVANILA The Healthy Candle

LAVANILA The Healthy Candle

For the mother who always wants a candle, The Healthy Candle from LAVANILA is made of pure beeswax and pure essential oils.  Inspired by their signature fragrances, LAVANILA The Healthy Candle with give the home a beautiful and inviting scent.  Pure beeswax, which burns 90% cleaner and last 50% longer than paraffin candles, burn clean to create a safer and less polluted indoor environment.  These three wicked candles come in a keepsake tin and are available in the following fragrances: Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, and Vanilla Spice.  Price $32

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit

This kit features Josie Maran’s best-selling and award-winning products that are eco-chic and a great way to start with a healthy and natural makeup routine.  This kit comes with five products; 100% organic Argan Oil to be used on the face, pluming lip gloss in Daring (sheer rosy nude), cream blush in Sunrise (soft pink), mascara and eye liner both in black.  Josie Maran products are paraben-free and sulfate-free, and made without any synthetic fragrances, petro-chemicals, or phthalates.  Price $48

Juice Beauty Organics To Go

Juice Beauty Organics To Go

Juice Beauty Organics To Go Starter Kit

Finally, beauty would not be complete without having the foundation of great skin.  This six-piece organic skincare starter set provides all anti-aging needs for day and night.  The set contains a bamboo washcloth to be use with the Cleansing Milk, Green Apple Peel for Sensitive skin, Antioxidant Serum, Hydrating Mist, and Nutrient Moisturizer.  Price $29

How to Fill an Easter Basket with Earth-Friendly Gifts

Apr 072009
 

The Easter bunny will be hopping into homes soon. Why not make sure your little one’s Easter basket is Earth-friendly as well as kid-friendly? Here are few ways to help your Easter basket go green.

Make Your Easter Basket Green

Make Your Easter Basket Green. photo courtesy of Butterfly Sha

Start With the Basket

Going green this Easter can start with the basket that will hold it all. This Bolga basket is made by artists in a small villiage in Northern Ghana. This fair-trade basket is made from natural grasses by people who have been making them for decades. Pick one up for just $15.95.

Forget the Plastic Grass

Rather than picking up a cheap bag of plastic grass, why not try something a little more Earth-friendly? Try green yarn, strips of recycled paper or 100% biodegradable grass like this one for $2.29 a bag.

Chocolate Can Be Green

Chocolate is usually brown, but it can be green, too. Try these cute organic and fair-trade chocolate bunny twins ; they are just $5.18 at the NaturalCandyStore.com. Throw in some organic jelly beans and vegan gummy bears.

Try Wooden Toys

Wooden toys are a good option when trying to go green. This egg shaker is hand crafted and is colored in natural vegetable dyes. These are sold for $8 at TheLittleSeed.com and are made by artisans in India.

Include a Book

Books made with recycled paper are another great addition to any Earth-friendly Easter basket. Barnes and Noble sells several titles your little bunny will love including this one called In the Garden.

2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide – The Ultimate Green Store

Feb 122009
 

We featured The Ultimate Green Store in our 2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide.

This Valentine’s Day, when you show your love for that special person in your life, show some love for the planet, too. No need to sacrifice luxury, style or the cool factor. Here are some eco-friendly gift ideas from The Ultimate Green Store:

solio

Solio. photo courtesy of theultimategreenstore.com

Love Solar Style: Make sure romantic moments can always be captured and that you’ll always be able to reach your Valentine. A favorite gift for him or her, Solio portable solar chargers and Voltaic solar bags will enable you to charge your small portable devices such as cell phones and cameras off the grid and on the go so you never have to worry about running out of juice. The solar bags come in a variety of styles including, daypacks, backpacks and messenger bags. Continue reading »

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